Objective: To analyze the prevalence trends and associated factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Macao from 2005 to 2020, so as to provide evidence for developing health promotion strategies. Methods: Data were obtained from the Macao Citizen Physical Fitness Monitoring Database for the years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 for participants aged 6-22 years. The χ 2 test was employed to analyze trends in detection rates, while univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors. Results: The overweight rate among Macaos children and adolescents increased from 10.4% in 2005 to 14.8% in 2020. The obesity rate rose from 6.8% to 12.1%, with the total detection rate increasing from 17.2% to 26.9%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2 trend =46.7, 87.5, 145.9, P <0.01). Notably, the overweight/obesity rate among boys showed rapid growth ( χ 2 trend = 118.6, P <0.01), while girls exhibited a declining inflection point in 2020. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that children and adolescents with the following characteristics faced higher risks of overweight/obesity: a physical education performance score of 3 points (overweight: OR=2.34, 95%CI =1.10-4.96; obesity: OR=2.39, 95%CI =1.19-4.81), paternal obesity (overweight: OR=2.07, 95%CI =1.38-3.11; obesity: OR=1.51, 95%CI = 1.01-2.27), and maternal obesity (overweight: OR=1.69, 95%CI =1.08-2.63; obesity: OR=1.77, 95%CI =1.16- 2.71 ) ( P <0.05). Conversely, lower risks were observed in those who performed appropriate warm-up activities before exercise (obesity: OR=0.37, 95%CI =0.15-0.95), participated in two academic/non-sports extracurricular classes (obesity: OR=0.46, 95%CI =0.24-0.88), and reported moderate physical exertion during extracurricular exercise (obesity: OR=0.60, 95%CI =0.36-0.98) ( P <0.05) . Conclusions Overweight and obesity among Macao s children and adolescents remain severe, particularly among boys, while girls show early signs of improvement. It is recommended to establish a multi-sectoral collaborative prevention and control system to reduce childhood and adolescent obesity.

Polygonatum sibiricum， as a traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible properties， has attracted considerable attention due to its functions of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs， tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi， and nourishing the kidneys and filling essence. Recent studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum sibiricum plays a significant role in regulating the immune system， effectively enhancing and improving the morphology and function of immune organs， stimulating the proliferation and activation of immune cells， and regulating the secretion and release of immune factors， thereby enhancing the immune function of the body and improving various immune-related diseases. Although a large number of studies have explored the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of P. sibiricum， there has been no systematic review and summary of its immune regulatory activity and mechanisms. Therefore， this article comprehensively reviews the research achievements of P. sibiricum polysaccharides and saponins in the field of immune regulation in recent years， and further sorts out the immune regulatory mechanisms of P. sibiricum in multiple aspects： including increasing the organ index of the spleen and thymus， increasing the number and activity of tumor-suppressive bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells， improving intestinal flora imbalance， regulating the quantity and proportion of T lymphocyte subsets， increasing the level of immunoglobulin， promoting the proliferation of macrophages， enhancing the activity of natural killer cells， increasing the number of white blood cells， and promoting the maturation of dendritic cells， providing a solid theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the research and application of P. sibiricum， and promoting its development and application in traditional Chinese medicine immune enhancers and various functional products.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of free medial femoral condyle (MFC) functional chimeric perforator flap (FCPF) transplantation in reconstructing joint function by repairing concomitant osteochondral defects and soft tissue defect in hand and foot joints. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients (5 males, 1 female; mean age of 33.4 years, range 21-56 years) with traumatic osteochondral joint defects and associated tendon, nerve, and soft tissue defects treated between January 2019 and November 2024. Defect locations included metacarpal heads (n=2), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=1), first metatarsal head (n=1), base of first proximal phalanx (n=1), and talar head (n=1), with soft tissue defects in all cases. Osteochondral defect sizes ranged from 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm, and skin defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×4 cm. The stage Ⅰ treatment included debridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement filling of bone-cartilage defects, fracture internal fixation, and coverage with vacuum sealing drainage. Stage Ⅱ involved harvesting a free MFC- FCPF included an osteochondral flap (range of 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm), gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendon grafts (length of 4-13 cm), saphenous nerve graft (length of 3.5-4.0 cm), and a perforator skin flap (range of 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×6 cm), each with independent vascular supply. The flap was transplanted to reconstruct joint function. Donor sites were closed primarily or with skin grafting. Flap survival was monitored postoperatively. Radiographic assessment was used to evaluate bone/joint healing. At last follow-up, the joint function recovery was assessed. RESULTS: All 6 MFC-FCPF survived completely, with primary healing of wounds and donor sites. All patients were followed up 6-44 months (mean, 23.5 months). The flaps at metacarpophalangeal joint in 1 case and at ankle joint in 1 case were treated with degreasing repair because of their bulky appearance, while the other flaps had good appearance and texture. At 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain during joint movement of recipient site was 0-2, with an average of 0.7; at last follow-up, the VAS score of the donor site was 0-1, with an average of 0.3. According to the Paley fracture healing scoring system, the osteochondral healing of all the 6 patients was excellent. The range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 cases was 75%, 90%, and 100% of contralateral side respectively, the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in 2 cases was 65% and 95% of contralateral side respectively, and the range of motion of the ankle joint in 1 case was 90% of contralateral side. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case according to the upper limb function evaluation standard of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and fair in 1 case according to the Maryland foot function score of 93, 91, and 69, respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 6 knees was 91-99, with an average of 95.2. CONCLUSION The free MFC-FCPF enables precise anatomical joint reconstruction with three-dimensional restoration of tendon, nerve, capsule, and soft tissue defects, effectively restoring joint function and improving quality of life.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Femur/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Foot Joints/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and neuroinflammation, remains a formidable clinical challenge. Herein, we present an innovative nose-to-brain delivery platform utilizing lactoferrin (Lf)-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) co-encapsulating α-mangostin (α-M) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA (siB). This dual-modal therapeutic system synergistically combines the neuroprotective and microglia-reprogramming capabilities of α-M with the transcriptional silencing of BACE1 via siB, thereby simultaneously inhibiting Aβ production and enhancing its clearance. Fabricated via a microfluidic approach, the LNPs exhibited uniform particle size distribution, great encapsulation efficiency, and robust colloidal stability. Upon intranasal administration, Lf-functionalization enabled superior brain-targeting efficacy through receptor-mediated transcytosis. In vitro studies demonstrated that α-M reversed Aβ-induced low-density lipoprotein receptor downregulation, promoting microglial phagocytosis and autophagic degradation of Aβ, while siB effectively suppressed BACE1 expression, abrogating Aβ synthesis. In vivo investigations in APP/PS1 transgenic mice revealed remarkable cognitive recovery, substantial Aβ plaque reduction, and alleviation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This intricately designed LNP system, exploiting a non-invasive and efficient nose-to-brain delivery route, provides a biocompatible, synergistic, and transformative therapeutic strategy for the multifaceted management of AD.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsule (TXC) promotes chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair in mice with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Fifty 8-week-old male C57BL mice were randomly divided into normal control group, cartilage damage (induced by subchondral ring-shaped drilling) model group and TXC treatment groups at low, moderate and high doses (184, 368 and 736 mg/kg, respectively). Saline (in normal control and model groups) and TXC were administered after modeling by daily gavage for 6 consecutive weeks. The changes of cartilage damage in the mice were assessed by measuring thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and using micro-CT, modified safranine O and fast green staining, HE staining, and qPCR. Primary cultures of mouse synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) with lentivirus vector transfection for interfering CXCL12, TXC treatment, or both for 24 h were examined for chondrogenic differentiation using immunofluorescence staining, scratch assay, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: In mouse models with cartilage damage, TXC treatment at the moderate dose significantly alleviated joint pain, promoted cartilage repair, and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of CXCL12, GDF5, collagen II, aggrecan, Comp and Sox9 in the cartilage tissue. In primary mouse SMSCs, CXCL12 knockdown resulted in significant reduction of GDF5 protein expression, migration ability and Sox9 protein expression, and these changes were obviously reversed by TXC treatment. CONCLUSIONS TXC promotes chondrogenic differentiation of mouse SMSCs to promote repair of cartilage damage in mice by activating the CXCL12/GDF5 pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoarthritis/metabolism* ; Male ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Chemokine CXCL12/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Cartilage, Articular/drug effects* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer, depression, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and other diseases. However, the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement, and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend, which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM. Recently, while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research, the rise of machine learning (ML) has significantly enhanced their integration with TCM. This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control, mechanism research, diagnosis, and treatment processes of TCM, revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM. Furthermore, the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized, and future directions are discussed.

Abstract To investigate the effects of exercise on gut microbiota(GM) among children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)，the review provides an in depth summary of the three core biological pathways through which exercise modulates the GM: repairing the integrity of the intestinal barrier to inhibit lipopolysaccharide mediated neuroinflammation; optimizing key metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, to reshape gut-brain communication; synergistically regulating the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway and vagus nerve signaling to balance neurotransmitters. These interconnected pathways not only alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort but also provide a solid biological foundation for improving the core behavioral symptoms of ASD, such as social deficits and repetitive behaviors. Future research should focus on establishing standardized exercise intervention protocols, validating the efficacy of these key biological pathways using multi omics approaches, and exploring combined intervention strategies. The results of corollary studies will provide a more robust scientific basis for precision rehabilitation of children with ASD.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer,depression,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and other diseases.However,the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement,and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend,which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM.Recently,while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research,the rise of machine learning(ML)has significantly enhanced their inte-gration with TCM.This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control,mechanism research,diagnosis,and treatment processes of TCM,revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM.Furthermore,the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized,and future directions are discussed.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsule(TXC)promotes chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair in mice with osteoarthritis(OA).Methods Fifty 8-week-old male C57BL mice were randomly divided into normal control group,cartilage damage(induced by subchondral ring-shaped drilling)model group and TXC treatment groups at low,moderate and high doses(184,368 and 736 mg/kg,respectively).Saline(in normal control and model groups)and TXC were administered after modeling by daily gavage for 6 consecutive weeks.The changes of cartilage damage in the mice were assessed by measuring thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)and mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)and using micro-CT,modified safranine O and fast green staining,HE staining,and qPCR.Primary cultures of mouse synovial mesenchymal stem cells(SMSCs)with lentivirus vector transfection for interfering CXCL12,TXC treatment,or both for 24 h were examined for chondrogenic differentiation using immunofluorescence staining,scratch assay,immunocytochemistry,and Western blotting.Results In mouse models with cartilage damage,TXC treatment at the moderate dose significantly alleviated joint pain,promoted cartilage repair,and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of CXCL12,GDF5,collagen II,aggrecan,Comp and Sox9 in the cartilage tissue.In primary mouse SMSCs,CXCL12 knockdown resulted in significant reduction of GDF5 protein expression,migration ability and Sox9 protein expression,and these changes were obviously reversed by TXC treatment.Conclusion TXC promotes chondrogenic differentiation of mouse SMSCs to promote repair of cartilage damage in mice by activating the CXCL12/GDF5 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical value of digital PCR (dPCR) for the prenatal diagnosis of common fetal aneuploidies. METHODS: A dPCR-based assay was developed for detecting trisomies 21, 18, and 13. A retrospective analysis was carried out on 173 amniotic fluid samples collected by the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Taizhou Hospital between January 2017 and December 2023. By using chromosomal karyotyping as the gold standard, the diagnostic performance of the multiplex dPCR system was evaluated in a double-blind manner. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Taizhou Hospital (Ethics No. K20250339). RESULTS: Chromosomal karyotyping has identified 59 cases of trisomy 21, 5 cases of trisomy 18, 2 cases of trisomy 13, 6 cases with chromosomal structural abnormalities or mosaicisms, and 101 cases with a normal karyotype. The dPCR results (Z-score cutoff = 4.0, CI = 99.997%) showed full concordance with karyotyping (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 100%, Kappa = 1). Among the 6 structurally abnormal or mosaicism samples, dPCR has accurately detected 4 cases, but mis-classified 2 cases of trisomy 21 with very low-level mosaicisms (3.3%, 6.9%, respectively) as normal. CONCLUSION The established multiplex dPCR system demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for common chromosomal aneuploidies, with results available within 24 hours. It can serve as an efficient supplementary tool to conventional chromosomal karyotyping, providing reliable support for time-sensitive clinical decision-making in prenatal diagnosis.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Aneuploidy ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Karyotyping ; Retrospective Studies ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Chromosome Disorders/genetics* ; Adult ; Trisomy 13 Syndrome/diagnosis* ; Trisomy 18 Syndrome/genetics* ; Down Syndrome/genetics*