1.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
2.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
3.Establishment of animal models of rat abdominal wall with implantation of polypropylene mesh and mersi-lene tape and comparative study on their biomechanical properties and histocompatibility
Junlin GAO ; Guangjie YIN ; Chao MENG ; Chunlei XIU ; Liying HUANG ; Tian TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1496-1501
Objective To establish animal models by implanting Gynemesh polypropylene mesh and Mersilene tape into the abdominal walls of rats,followed by conducting mechanical experiments and performing HE staining on abdominal wall tissues at 30 and 90 days post-implantation,respectively,in order to evaluate the biomechanical properties and histocompatibility of the two types of meshes.Methods The Gynemesh mesh and Mersilene tape were implanted into the abdominal wall of adult female rats(n=10)using W6977M polyester non-absorbable sutures and V-Loc absorbable sutures.The rats were randomly assigned to either a 30-day group or a 90-day group(n=5 per group)based on different experimental time points.Mechanical tests were conducted at these time points to evaluate the ultimate load required for avulsion of the meshes from the abdominal wall.Following the mechanical experiments,the tissues surrounding the meshes were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The inflammatory response,neovascularization,and fibroblast proliferation in the tissues were scored to compare the histocompatibility of the two types of meshes.Results(1)In the 30-day group,the ultimate load values were as follows:Gynemesh+6977(14.96±2.22)N,Gynemesh+V-Loc(12.73±1.11)N,Mersilene+6977(10.65±0.91)N,and Mersilene+V-Loc(8.70±1.18)N.No statistically significant difference was observed in the ultimate load between the Gynemesh+6977 and Gynemesh+V-Loc groups(P=0.12),whereas statistically significant differences were noted among the other groups(P<0.05).(2)In the 90-day group,the ultimate load values were as follows:Gynemesh+6977(18.97±0.59)N,Gynemesh+V-Loc(18.18±0.54)N,Mersilene+6977(13.87±0.67)N,and Mersilene+V-Loc(10.41±0.73)N.No statistically significant difference was observed in the ultimate load between the Gynemesh+6977 and Gynemesh+V-Loc groups(P=0.06),while statistically significant differences were noted among the other groups(P<0.05).(3)The ultimate load at 90 days for each group was significantly greater than that at 30 days,with statistically significant differences observed across all groups(P<0.05).(4)In the 30-day group,Gynemesh exhibited a lower inflammatory response compared to Mersilene tape(2.0±0.69 vs.3.10±0.71,P<0.05),with no statistically significant differences in neovascular-ization or fibroblast proliferation(2.37±0.61 vs.2.40±0.62,P=0.84;2.43±0.73 vs.2.63±0.67,P=0.27).In the 90-day group,Gynemesh demonstrated a lower inflammatory response score(1.10±0.66 vs.2.00±0.74,P<0.05),reduced fibroblast proliferation(2.87±0.68 vs.3.27±0.67,P<0.05),and no significant difference in neovascular proliferation(2.20±0.55 vs.2.13±0.68,P=0.68)compared to Mersilene tape.(5)The inflam-matory response for both mesh types was higher in the 30-day group compared to the 90-day group(Gynemesh group:2.0±0.69 vs.1.10±0.66,P<0.05;Mersilene group:3.13±0.73 vs.2.0±0.74,P<0.05).Additionally,the degree of fibroblast proliferation was lower in the 30-day group than in the 90-day group(Gynemesh group:2.43±0.73 vs.2.87±0.68,P<0.05;Mersilene group:2.63±0.67 vs.3.27±0.69,P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in neovascularization proliferation between the two groups(Gynemesh group:2.53±0.74 vs.2.47±0.74,P=0.81;Mersilene group:2.40±0.62 vs.2.13±0.68,P=0.12).Conclusion Compared with Mersilene tape,Gynemesh polypropylene mesh exhibits superior tensile strength and enhanced biocompatibility.
4.Visualization Analysis on Research Literature about Astragalus Polysaccharides from 2013 to 2023
Hong LI ; Liu LI ; Qiuqing HUANG ; Shiyao YANG ; Junju ZOU ; Fan XIAO ; Qin XIANG ; Xiu LIU ; Yanling FU ; Yongjun WU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):73-79
Objective To analyze the research status and hotspots in the field of astragalus polysaccharides;To provide references for further research.Methods Research literature about astragalus polysaccharides was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,PubMed,and Web of Science databases from 1st,Jan.2013 to 1st,July 2023.NoteExpress 3.7 software was used to manage the literature and ultimately establish a database.Excel 2019,CiteSpace 6.2.2R and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to visually analyze the publication volume,authors,institutions,and keywords of the included literature.Results A total of 2 462 articles were included,with 1 284 Chinese articles and 1 178 English articles.The main research institutions were Gansu University of Chinese Medicine,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.The core authors of Chinese literature were Liu Yongqi,Wang Hongxin,Lu Meili,etc.The core authors of English literature included Zhang Wei,Li Ke,Yang Xiaojun,etc.High-frequency keywords of Chinese literature included Astragali Radix,rats,polysaccharides,cell apoptosis,and oxidative stress,etc.High frequency keywords in English literature included expression,in vitro,oxidative stress,apoptosis,etc.Conclusion The research on astragalus polysaccharides focuses on their pharmacological effects and mechanisms.Intestinal flora,immune regulation,autophagy and apoptosis are the hot action mechanisms in this field.The focus of disease research involves tumor and diabetes,and antiviral,anti infection and other pharmacological effects are the research trend.
5.Microchannel-based Electrochemiluminescence Sensor for Tetracycline Detection Using Luminol/Hydrogen Peroxide as Reporter System
Shao-Kun HUANG ; Xiu-Lin XIE ; Hua-Bin CAI ; Yan-Ling HUANG ; Yue LIN ; Zhen-Yu LIN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):356-363
A microchannel-based electrochemiluminescence(ECL)sensor was developed for detection of tetracycline(TC)utilizing luminol/H2O2 as ECL reporting system.The low excitation potential of luminol/H2O2 effectively mitigated the impact of clamping voltage,thereby enhancing the detection performance of the microchannel-based ECL sensor.The microchannel modified with TC aptamer selectively recognized and captured target TC.The positively charged TC reduced the surface charge density within the microchannel,thereby increasing the ionic current in the microchannel,leading to change of ECL signal of system.The experimental conditions such as electrolyte concentration,TC-aptamer concentration,and reaction time between TC and TC-aptamer were optimized.Under optimal conditions,the difference of ECL signal in the absence and presence of TC(?ECL)exhibited a good linear relationship with TC concentration in the range from 1.00 ng/mL to 200 ng/mL,with a detection limit as low as 0.69 ng/mL.The sensor had good selectivity and was successfully used in detection of TC in milk samples.
6.Job Preferences of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Workers: A Discrete Choice Experiment in China.
Yan GUO ; Han Lin NIE ; Hao CHEN ; Stephen NICHOLAS ; Elizabeth MAITLAND ; Si Si CHEN ; Lie Yu HUANG ; Xiu Min ZHANG ; Xue Feng SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):740-750
OBJECTIVE:
This study explored the job choice preferences of Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) workers to provide CDC management information and recommendations for optimizing employee retention and motivation policies.
METHODS:
A discrete choice experiment was conducted in nine provinces across China. Seven key attributes were identified to analyze the job preferences of CDC workers. Mixed logit models, latent class models, and policy simulation tools were used.
RESULTS:
A valid sample of 5,944 cases was included in the analysis. All seven attributes significantly influenced the job choices of CDC workers. Heterogeneity analyses identified two main groups based on different levels of preference for attribute utility. Income-prioritizers were concerned with income and opportunities for career development, whereas bianzhi-prioritizers were concerned with bianzhi and welfare benefits. The policy simulation analysis revealed that income-prioritizers had a relatively higher sensitivity to multiple job preference incentives.
CONCLUSION
Income and bianzhi were the two key attributes influencing the job choices and retention preferences of CDC workers. Heterogeneity in job preferences was also identified. Based on the preference characteristics of different subgroups, policy content should be skewed to differentiate the importance of incentives.
China
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Humans
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
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Middle Aged
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Choice Behavior
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Career Choice
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Motivation
7.Sperm tRNA-derived fragments expression is potentially linked to abstinence-related improvement of sperm quality.
Xi-Ren JI ; Rui-Jun WANG ; Zeng-Hui HUANG ; Hui-Lan WU ; Xiu-Hai HUANG ; Hao BO ; Ge LIN ; Wen-Bing ZHU ; Chuan HUANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(5):638-645
Recent studies have shown that shorter periods of ejaculatory abstinence may enhance certain sperm parameters, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements are still unclear. This study explored whether reduced abstinence periods could improve semen quality, particularly for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We analyzed semen samples from men with normal sperm counts ( n = 101) and those with low sperm motility or concentration ( n = 53) after 3-7 days of abstinence and then after 1-3 h of abstinence, obtained from the Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China). Physiological and biochemical sperm parameters were evaluated, and the dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing in five consecutive samples from men with normal sperm counts. Our results revealed significant improvement in sperm motility and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index after the 1- to 3-h abstinence period. Additionally, we identified 245 differentially expressed tRFs, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the most enriched. Further investigations showed significant changes in tRF-Lys-TTT and its target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 ( MAP2K2 ), which indicates a role of tRFs in improving sperm function. These findings provide new insights into how shorter abstinence periods influence sperm quality and suggest that tRFs may serve as biomarkers for male fertility. This research highlights the potential for optimizing ART protocols and improving reproductive outcomes through molecular approaches that target sperm function.
Male
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Humans
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Spermatozoa/metabolism*
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RNA, Transfer/genetics*
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Sperm Motility/genetics*
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Adult
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Semen Analysis
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Sexual Abstinence/physiology*
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Sperm Count
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DNA Fragmentation
8.Impact of the interaction between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and overweight/obesity on the risk of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly
Wanying CAI ; Lang XU ; Yiqing LI ; Chunli LI ; Jing HUANG ; Xiu QU
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(8):611-616
Objective:To investigate the interaction between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and overweight/obesity on the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study (HMACS). Cluster random sampling was used to select 5 661 elderly individuals aged≥65 years in Wuhan from 2018 to 2023. Standardized neuropsychological assessments and clinical examinations results were collected. The NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of NAFLD and overweight/obesity with MCI. The impacts of interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity on the risk of MCI were analyzed using both multiplicative and additive models.Results:Among the 5 661 elderly individuals included in the analysis, 2 563 were male and 3 098 were female, with a mean age of (72.24±5.51) years. A total of 2 239 participants (39.6%) resided in rural areas, 2 841 (50.2%) were overweight/obesity, 2 390 (42.2%) had NAFLD, and 1 694 (29.9%) were diagnosed with MCI. The risk of MCI in elderly individuals with NAFLD and overweight/obesity was 2.975 times ( OR=2.975, 95% CI: 2.489-3.557, P<0.001) of that in non-overweight/obese individuals without NAFLD. There was a multiplicative interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity on MCI ( OR=1.508, 95% CI: 1.169-1.944, P=0.002). NAFLD and overweight/obesity had an additive interaction effect on the risk of MCI, and the relative excess risk of interaction, attributable proportion of interaction and the synergy index was 1.099 (95% CI: 0.630-1.593), 0.369 (95% CI: 0.222-0.487), 2.256 (95% CI: 1.457-3.492), respectively. Conclusion:There is an interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity in elderly individuals, and the co-existence of NAFLD and overweight/obesity increases the risk of MCI in this population.
9.Frailty status and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan province
Xiaoju LI ; Rong LI ; Xiu XIA ; Yuan HUANG ; Chaofang YAN ; Rui DENG ; Ying SONG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(9):721-727
Objective:To analyze the frailty status and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method in the settlements of the Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province from July to December in 2022. The study enrolled a total of 1 036 middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 45 years and above. Data on general characteristics (including chronic disease prevalence, sleep quality, smoking and alcohol consumption) and frailty status were collected in the subjects. A total of 1 050 questionnaires were distributed, 1 040 questionnaires returned with 1 036 valid responses (98.7%). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing frailty status among different Zhiguo ethnic groups.Results:Among the 1 036 middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, there were 482 males and 554 females, with a frailty rate of 26.25% (272/1 036), the Bulang ethnic group had the highest frailty rate (35.56%) and the Jinuo ethnic group showed the lowest (18.49%). Being aged≥60 years ( OR=1.647, 95% CI: 1.177-2.303), having≥2 chronic diseases ( OR=2.183, 95% CI: 1.470-3.245), and suffering from sleep disorders ( OR=2.468, 95% CI: 1.786-3.411) were positively associated with frailty occurrence, whereas having high social support ( OR=0.614, 95% CI: 0.434-0.867) was inversely associated with the risk of frailty (all P<0.05). Ethnic subgroup analyses revealed that suffering from sleep disorders were a common influencing factor for frailty across all Zhiguo ethnic groups (all P<0.05). In the Jinuo ethnic group, having≥2 chronic diseases showed a positive association with frailty ( OR=3.387, 95% CI: 1.054-10.879) ( P<0.05). In the Bulang subgroup, having≥2 chronic diseases ( OR=3.951, 95% CI: 1.201-12.995) and aged ≥60 years ( OR=3.415, 95% CI: 1.347-8.657) were both positively associated with frailty, while having high social support ( OR=0.185, 95% CI: 0.065-0.527) was inversely associated with the risk of frailty (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The frailty rate in middle-aged and elderly individuals among Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province is notably high, and sleep quality, social support, and chronic conditions are its main influencing factors.
10.Comparison of three artificial intelligence-assisted bone age assessment methods for predicting adult height in girls
Jinfeng CHEN ; Huiping SU ; Shuangyi LIU ; Shurong HUANG ; Li WANG ; Xiu ZHAO ; Qiru SU ; Rongfei ZHENG ; Zhe SU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):460-466
Objective:To compare the accuracy and applicability of three adult height prediction methods based on artificial intelligence-assisted bone age assessment—the Bayley-Pinneau method(BP method), the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method(TW3 method), and China 05 method—in girls.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study collected clinical data and 690 posteroanterior X-ray images of the left hand from 278 female children who underwent pubertal development assessments at Shenzhen Children′s Hospital between January 2014 and December 2020, with follow-up until adult height was reached. Adult height prediction was performed using BP, TW3, and China 05 methods on artificial intelligence-assisted bone age assessment.Results:The BP and TW3 methods overestimated adult height by(1.7±3.7) cm and(2.6±3.0) cm, respectively, while the China 05 method underestimated adult height by(2.3±3.5) cm. The proportion of PAH within±5 cm of FAH were 80.0% for the TW3 method, 77.0% for the BP method, and 74.2% for the China 05 method, with significant differences among them( P=0.038). Analysis of cases with prediction deviations>10 cm and subgroup comparisons revealed that the TW3 and BP methods were more likely to overestimate adult height in girls aged 6.0-<8.0 years, with delayed bone age, or in the prepubertal stage(all P<0.001). The China 05 method was more prone to underestimate adult height in those with advanced bone age( P<0.001). All three methods showed significantly greater prediction errors(absolute difference between PAH and FAH) in girls with early puberty compared to those with normal pubertal development(all P<0.05). Conclusions:The TW3 and BP methods tend to overestimate adult height in girls, while the China 05 method tends to underestimate it. Caution is warranted when predicting adult height, particularly in girls under 8 years of bone age, with delayed or advanced bone age, and those with early puberty.

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