1.Association between thyroid function and osteoporosis:genome-wide data analysis of European populations
Hao ZENG ; Pengcheng SUN ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1019-1027
BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have found a strong association between thyroid function and its related disorders and osteoporosis,but the causal relationship is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the causal relationship between genetically predicted thyroid function and its associated disorders,as well as osteoporosis,through the Mendelian randomization analysis with extensive pooled genetic data.METHODS:Pooled data from genome-wide association studies were employed to investigate the causal relationship between thyroid function and its associated disorders and osteoporosis.This was achieved through the utilization of the inverse variance weighting method as the primary Mendelian randomization analysis method,in conjunction with the MR-Egger method,weighted median method,simple model method,and weighted model method.A two-step mediated Mendelian randomization analysis was used to calculate the mediating effect of drug-mediated thyroid dysfunction on osteoporosis and the mediating proportion.Subsequently,sensitivity analyses were conducted using the MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO to detect multiplicity,Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity,and leave-one-out to perform sensitivity analyses.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of the inverse variance weighting method showed that thyroid function had an effect on bone mineral density,and that thyrotropin,free triiodothyronine on bone mineral density,free thyroxine,and subclinical hyperthyroidism all had a causal effect on bone mineral density.(2)In addition,mediation analyses revealed a potential mediating effect of carbimazole in the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis,as well as a potential mediating effect of levothyroxine sodium in the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis.(3)In conclusion,thyrotropin,which is high in the normal range,has been demonstrated to increase bone mineral density.Conversely,free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine,which are also high within the normal range,as well as subclinical hyperthyroidism,have been shown to decrease bone mineral density.The risk of developing osteoporosis is partially mediated by the pathway of taking the therapeutic medication in the context of pharmacologic treatment of thyroid dysfunction.(4)The present study primarily focuses on European population data.However,given the commonality of the genetic background and the generalizability of genome-wide data analysis methods,it is of significant importance to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the Chinese population,develop effective interventions,and provide genetic counseling.
2.Association between thyroid function and osteoporosis:genome-wide data analysis of European populations
Hao ZENG ; Pengcheng SUN ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1019-1027
BACKGROUND:Several observational studies have found a strong association between thyroid function and its related disorders and osteoporosis,but the causal relationship is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the causal relationship between genetically predicted thyroid function and its associated disorders,as well as osteoporosis,through the Mendelian randomization analysis with extensive pooled genetic data.METHODS:Pooled data from genome-wide association studies were employed to investigate the causal relationship between thyroid function and its associated disorders and osteoporosis.This was achieved through the utilization of the inverse variance weighting method as the primary Mendelian randomization analysis method,in conjunction with the MR-Egger method,weighted median method,simple model method,and weighted model method.A two-step mediated Mendelian randomization analysis was used to calculate the mediating effect of drug-mediated thyroid dysfunction on osteoporosis and the mediating proportion.Subsequently,sensitivity analyses were conducted using the MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO to detect multiplicity,Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity,and leave-one-out to perform sensitivity analyses.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of the inverse variance weighting method showed that thyroid function had an effect on bone mineral density,and that thyrotropin,free triiodothyronine on bone mineral density,free thyroxine,and subclinical hyperthyroidism all had a causal effect on bone mineral density.(2)In addition,mediation analyses revealed a potential mediating effect of carbimazole in the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis,as well as a potential mediating effect of levothyroxine sodium in the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing osteoporosis.(3)In conclusion,thyrotropin,which is high in the normal range,has been demonstrated to increase bone mineral density.Conversely,free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine,which are also high within the normal range,as well as subclinical hyperthyroidism,have been shown to decrease bone mineral density.The risk of developing osteoporosis is partially mediated by the pathway of taking the therapeutic medication in the context of pharmacologic treatment of thyroid dysfunction.(4)The present study primarily focuses on European population data.However,given the commonality of the genetic background and the generalizability of genome-wide data analysis methods,it is of significant importance to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the Chinese population,develop effective interventions,and provide genetic counseling.
3.A machine learning approach for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea using oximetry, demographic and anthropometric data.
Zhou Hao LEONG ; Shaun Ray Han LOH ; Leong Chai LEOW ; Thun How ONG ; Song Tar TOH
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(4):195-201
INTRODUCTION:
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious but underdiagnosed condition. Demand for the gold standard diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) far exceeds its availability. More efficient diagnostic methods are needed, even in tertiary settings. Machine learning (ML) models have strengths in disease prediction and early diagnosis. We explored the use of ML with oximetry, demographic and anthropometric data to diagnose OSA.
METHODS:
A total of 2,996 patients were included for modelling and divided into test and training sets. Seven commonly used supervised learning algorithms were trained with the data. Sensitivity (recall), specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) (precision), negative predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and F1 measure were reported for each model.
RESULTS:
In the best performing four-class model (neural network model predicting no, mild, moderate or severe OSA), a prediction of moderate and/or severe disease had a combined PPV of 94%; one out of 335 patients had no OSA and 19 had mild OSA. In the best performing two-class model (logistic regression model predicting no-mild vs. moderate-severe OSA), the PPV for moderate-severe OSA was 92%; two out of 350 patients had no OSA and 26 had mild OSA.
CONCLUSION
Our study showed that the prediction of moderate-severe OSA in a tertiary setting with an ML approach is a viable option to facilitate early identification of OSA. Prospective studies with home-based oximeters and analysis of other oximetry variables are the next steps towards formal implementation.
Humans
;
Oximetry/methods*
;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Machine Learning
;
Polysomnography
;
Adult
;
Anthropometry
;
ROC Curve
;
Aged
;
Algorithms
;
Predictive Value of Tests
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
;
Neural Networks, Computer
;
Demography
4.Inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on microglial activation via Notch1/Hes1 pathway in Parkinson's disease mice.
Jinxu JIANG ; Yang LIU ; Huijie FAN ; Tiansheng ZHANG ; Liran WANG ; Lei XU ; Lixia YANG ; Yunfei SONG ; Cungen MA ; Chongyao HAO ; Zhi CHAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1290-1298
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving motor function and regulating microglial activation based on Notch receptor 1 (Notch1)/Hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Hes1) pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS:
Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each group. PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days in the model group and the EA group. From the 1st day of modeling, EA was applied at "Baihui" (GV20) and bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) in the EA group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 2 mA, 15 min a time, once a day for 14 days continuously. The behavioral performance was evaluated by gait test, pole climbing test and hanging test, the number of positive cells of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the co-expression positive cells of Notch1/ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the substantia nigra of midbrain was assessed by immunofluorescence, the protein expression of TH, α-synuclein (α-syn), Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 (ARG1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was detected by Western blot, the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was detected by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, in the model group, the stride frequency was accelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was shortened (P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was prolonged (P<0.01) and the grip level was reduced (P<0.01); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was increased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the stride frequency was decelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was shortened (P<0.05) and the grip level was increased (P<0.05); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was increased (P<0.01), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was increased (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was decreased (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA can improve the behavioral performance and protect the dopaminergic neurons in PD mice, its mechanism may relate to the inhibition of Notch1/Hes1-mediated neuroinflammation, thus inhibiting the microglial activation.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Receptor, Notch1/metabolism*
;
Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*
;
Transcription Factor HES-1/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction
5.Intestinal flora regulates bone metabolism:a visual analysis of literature from the Web of Science Core Collection
Hao ZENG ; Shunyi ZOU ; Zhengpeng LI ; Yuan CHAI ; Yourong HUANG ; Xiaoyun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5652-5661
BACKGROUND:In recent years,a number of studies have confirmed that gut microbiome regulates bone metabolism through multiple pathways,and this field has become a research hotspot in orthopedics and microbiology.However,there is still no literature metrology and visual analysis on this field.OBJECTIVE:To explore the research status,hot spots and development trends in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism,and to provide certain data support and reference for subsequent studies.METHODS:The Web of Science core collection database was used as the retrieval platform to retrieve the related literature in the field of intestinal flora regulating bone metabolism from 2004 to 2024.Citespace software was used to visually analyze the included literature and generate a visual atlas.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 1,035 papers were included in this study.In the past 20 years,the number of publications in the field of gut microbiome regulation of bone metabolism has shown a significant growth trend,with the United States and China dominating research and publication activities in this field.Harvard University and the University of California system are the research institutions with the highest number of published papers and research centrality in this area,and Professor Pacifici R of Emory University is the most prolific author.(2)Inflammatory bowel disease,chain fatty acids,bone marrow are the core keywords in this field.Postmenopausal osteoporosis,rheumatoid arthritis,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction are the latest research frontiers in this field.(3)Among the top 10 cited papers,4 discussed the mechanism of short-chain fatty acids affecting bone metabolism;3 investigated the pathogenesis and therapeutic potential of intestinal flora in postmenopausal osteoporosis,glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,and senile osteoporosis;1 discussed the relationship between intestinal inflammation,intestinal flora,parathyroid hormone,and bone metabolism;and 1 examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and T cells on the gut microbiome and bone metabolism.(4)NUTRIENTS has the most papers,while ENDOCRINOLOGY& METABOLISM has the most citations.(5)Based on literature co-citation analysis and keywords,further exploration is needed on the specific pathogenesis and treatment strategies of gut microbiome in postmenopausal osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis,revealing the molecular mechanism of regulating gut microbiota to inhibit oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial dysfunction affecting bone metabolism,and translating mechanism research into clinical application,which all constitute the future research directions and trends in this field.
6.Research progress in broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus
Nan CHEN ; Xiangjun HAO ; Lihui CHAI ; He XIAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1238-1245
Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide,resulting in millions of hospitalizations each year.In addi-tion to vaccination and antiviral drugs against influenza,monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising treatment method because of its cross-reactivity and targeting.Widely reactive monoclonal antibodies can bind and neutralize multiple subtypes of influenza A virus,and also show good protective effect on infected mice,showing high potential in the prevention and treatment of influenza.In this review,we briefly review the recent research progress of broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting HA and NA,two important surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus.
7.Effect of electroacupuncture on P2X4R/NF-κB signaling pathway during spinal cord injury in rats
Jianzhong HUO ; Xiang WANG ; Xilong LIANG ; Hao CHAI ; Jing GAO ; Yangyang SHENG ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):586-591
Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ionotropic purinergic receptor 4 (P2X4R)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway during spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:Thirty-six clean-grade healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 210-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham surgery group (S group), SCI group, and SCI+ EA treatment group (SCI+ EA group). The SCI model was established by the Allen′s method in anesthetized animals. In group S, only the spinous processes and vertebral laminae were resected, but the spinal cord was not injured. On the 7th day after developing the model, EA of Jiaji, Dazhui, and Mingmen lasting 30 min was performed once a day for 7 consecutive days, with a depth of 2 mm, intensity of 12-15 mV, frequency of 2 Hz, in SCI+ EA group. The mechanical paw withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before developing the model and 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, and the motor function was assessed using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score. The recovery of motor function was assessed using footprint analysis at 28 days after developing the model. After the final behavioral testing, the rats were sacrificed, and spinal cord tissues were harvested to observe the pathological changes of the spinal cord tissues using hematoxylin-eosin staining, to detect the expression of P2X4R and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot) and to determine contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with the baseline measured at 1 day before developing the model, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model in SCI group and SCI+ EA group ( P<0.05). Compared with S group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at each time point after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was up-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased in SCI group ( P<0.05). Compared with SCI group, the MWT and BBB scores were significantly increased and the TWL was prolonged at 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model, the expression of P2X4R and p-NF-κB p65 in spinal cord tissues was down-regulated, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage of spinal cord tissues was alleviated and footprints were reduced in SCI+ EA group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which EA alleviates SCI may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the P2X4R/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction in the inflammatory response in rats.
8.Research progress in broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus
Nan CHEN ; Xiangjun HAO ; Lihui CHAI ; He XIAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1238-1245
Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide,resulting in millions of hospitalizations each year.In addi-tion to vaccination and antiviral drugs against influenza,monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising treatment method because of its cross-reactivity and targeting.Widely reactive monoclonal antibodies can bind and neutralize multiple subtypes of influenza A virus,and also show good protective effect on infected mice,showing high potential in the prevention and treatment of influenza.In this review,we briefly review the recent research progress of broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting HA and NA,two important surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus.
9.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
10.Clinical research progress on noise after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty
Hao LI ; Xiangpeng KONG ; Bohan ZHANG ; Mingfeng LI ; Ping SONG ; Wei CHAI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(16):1082-1088
This article reviews the progress of clinical research on abnormal sounds after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty, with a focus on analyzing the differences between the third-generation and fourth-generation ceramic prostheses. Abnormal sounds generally refer to high-pitched audible sounds (such as creaking, clicking, etc.) during hip joint movement after surgery, which are considered possible precursors to prosthesis fragmentation (for example, patients with abnormal sounds have more ceramic particles in the joint fluid, and some are accompanied by prosthesis fragmentation). The fundamental frequency of abnormal sounds in the third-generation ceramic prostheses ranges from 400 to 7 500 Hz (approximately 1 500 Hz in males and 2 500 Hz in females), while the acoustic characteristics of the fourth-generation ones remain unclear. The reported occurrence time of abnormal sounds varies significantly among different studies, with an average of 6.4 to 40 months after surgery. This variation may be influenced by patient characteristics, surgical technique, and prosthesis type. Abnormal sounds are considered a possible early indicator of prosthesis fragmentation; for instance, higher concentrations of ceramic particles have been detected in the synovial fluid of affected patients, and some cases have been accompanied by prosthesis fracture. The incidence of abnormal sounds with the fourth-generation prostheses ranges from 3.8% to 46.6% (with a follow-up period exceeding 10 years), while the third-generation shows rates of 0% to 19.7% with no difference between the two generations. Although the fourth-generation prostheses are superior to the third-generation in material toughness (flexural strength>1 380 MPa) and hardness, they still fail to solve the problem of abnormal sounds, and the incidence may increase with the extension of the follow-up time (for example, in some studies, the incidence at 10-year follow-up is higher than that at 5-year follow-up). Abnormal sounds are mostly associated with movements such as extreme flexion (e.g., squatting) and walking. Different sound properties (such as friction sound) correspond to specific inducing movements and locations, among which friction sound requires vigilance against the risk of prosthesis fragmentation. The risk factors include patient-related factors (height, weight, activity level, etc.), surgical factors (prosthesis position angle), and prosthesis-related factors (design, diameter, neck length, etc.). Proposed mechanisms include abnormal edge loading, stripe wear, femoral neck impingement, wear particle generation, and prosthesis mismatch. Adverse outcomes include decreased patient satisfaction with life, revision surgery (with an incidence of 0.2% to 4.65%), and prosthesis fragmentation. Currently, there are still controversies in research. Future studies need to focus on special patient groups, surgical techniques (such as robot-assisted surgery), and the optimization of prosthesis materials and designs (such as gradient structures and surface coatings) to reduce the incidence of abnormal sounds.

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