Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

A complete plant body consists of elements on different scales, including microscopic molecules, mesoscopic multicellular structures, and macroscopic tissues and organs, which are interconnected to form complex biological networks. The growth and development of plants involve the regulation of elements on different scales and their biological networks, which requires the coordinated operation of multiple molecules, cells, tissues, and organs. It is difficult to reveal the essence of multi-level life activities by a single method or technology. In recent years, the development of various novel imaging technologies has provided new approaches for revealing the complex life activities in plants. Using multi-modal imaging technologies to study the cross-scale network connections of plants from the microscopic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic levels is crucial for understanding the complex internal connections behind biological functions. This paper first summarizes multi-modal cross-scale imaging technologies, three-dimensional reconstruction, and image processing methods, outlines the basic framework of cross-scale network connection properties, and then summarizes the applications of multi-modal imaging technologies in elucidating plant multi-scale networks. Finally, this review systematically integrates the combined analysis of cross-scale 3D spatial structural data and single-cell omics, laying a theoretical foundation for the innovation of novel plant imaging technologies. Furthermore, it provides a new research paradigm for in-depth exploration of the interaction mechanisms among cross-scale elements and the principles of biological network connectivity in plant life activities.
Plants/metabolism* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Multimodal Imaging/methods* ; Plant Physiological Phenomena

Objective: To explore the correlation between different nutritional status and depressive symptoms among adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical basis for targeted improvement of nutritional status and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods: A total of 8 102 adolescents aged 12-17 years in Shanghai, Urumqi, Changsha and Kunming were selected by random cluster sampling. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale(CES-D). Height and weight were measured. Kruskal Wallis H test, Chi square test and ordinal Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Results: The overall detection rate of depressive symptoms in adolescents was 25.6%, with girls (30.1%) higher than that of boys (21.1%) ( χ 2=87.60, P <0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the scores of depressive symptoms among girls with different nutritional status ( Z =8.34, P <0.05). The detectable rate of depressive symptoms increased with BMI among girls( χ 2 trend =6.04, P <0.05). After controlling for confounding factors, ordinal Logistic regression showed that the obese girls had higher risks in depressive symptoms detection compared with normal weight girls ( OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.10-1.91, P <0.05). Conclusion The nutritional status of girls is better than boys, but the prevalence of depressive symptoms is higher than boys. The risk of depressive symptoms in girls increases with BMI.

Objective: To explore the correlation between non suicidal self injury(NSSI) behaviors and depressive symptoms in adolescents and to provide a theoretical basis for improvement of adolescent physical and mental health. Methods: A total of 8 102 adolescents aged 12-17 years were selected by random cluster sampling method in Shanghai, Urumqi, Changsha and Kunming, using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Adolescent Non Suicidal Self Injurious Behavior Assessment Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms and the occurrence of NSSI behaviors were assessed. The relationship between NSSI behaviors and depressive symptoms was analyzed using Chi square test, one way analysis and Logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall detection rate of NSSI in adolescents, 24.6%, with a significantly lower detection rate in boys (23.1%) than in girls (26.2%) ( χ 2=10.97, P <0.05), and 24.7%, 24.6% in the middle school and high school segments, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ 2=0.01, P >0.05). The overall detection rate of adolescent depressive symptoms was 49.7 % in the group with NSSI and 17.7% in the group without NSSI, with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=808.80, P < 0.01 ). The detection rates of adolescent depressive symptoms in the group with NSSI (male:44.0%, female:54.7%, middle school:49.6%, high school:49.8%) and the group without NSSI (male:14.2%, female:21.4%, middle school:14.3%, high school: 21.0 %) were statistically significant by sex and age groups ( χ 2=385.58, 412.44, 520.60, 313.78, P ＜0.01). Logistic regression models, after adjusting for gender and age, the risk for depressive symptoms was 2.65 times (95% CI =2.27-3.09) and 7.28 times (95% CI = 6.34- 8.37) more frequently in adolescents with episodic self injurious behavior and frequent self injurious behavior, respectively, compared to those without self injurious behavior. The association between NSSI status and depressive symptoms did not show sex differences ( P >0.05). Conclusion Adolescent NSSI behavior is positively associated with depressive symptoms, the attention should be paid to adolescent physical and mental health to reduce the occurrence of NSSI.

Objective: To analyze the correlation between physical activity and depressive symptoms in adolescents, so as to provide a reference for the early prevention of depression among adolescents. Methods: Using a random cluster sampling method, 8 102 adolescents from Shanghai, Urumqi, Changsha and Kunming were investigated via the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire of Chinese Children and Adolescents aged 7 to 18 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for physical activity and depressive symptoms. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between physical activity and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Results: The proportion of adolescents who met moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) standard was 37.0%, and the detection rate of depressive symptoms was 25.6%. The detection rate of depressive symptomsin compliant with MVPA standard group was significantly lower than that in non compliant group among different age and gender( χ 2=7.62-34.54, P <0.05). Adolescents with severe depressive symptoms had high light intensity physical activity(LPA) duration and low vigorous intensity physical activity(VPA) duration, while adolescents with mild depressive symptoms or asymptomatic adolescents had higher MVPA duration. There were differences in LPA and VPA among adolescents with different levels of depressive symptoms in the overall sample, and the differences were still significant among girls, middle school and statistically significant differences in LPA, moderate intensity physical activity(MPA), MVPA were also found among the high school subgroup. However, differences only in LPA were observed among boys with different levels of depression( H=46.48, 10.31, 25.02, 29.54, 30.25, 19.80, 22.20, 9.54, 8.62, 18.06, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that gender and duration of MVPA were significantly related to risk of depressive symptoms( OR=1.56, 1.42, P <0.05). Conclusion Physical activity among adolescents is significantly related to depressive symptoms. MVPA may be an effective measure to reduce the degree of depressive symptoms.To improve the physical health and prevent depression among adolescents, it is important to choose appropriate physical activity types and effectively increase the duration of MVPA.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the chronological changes in postoperative complications in surgical ulcerative colitis patients over the past decade in China and to investigate the potential parameters that contributed to the changes. Methods: Ulcerative colitis patients who underwent surgery during 2008–2017 were retrospectively enrolled from 13 hospitals in China. Postoperative complications were compared among different operation years. Risk factors for complications were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 446 surgical ulcerative colitis patients were analyzed. Fewer short-term complications (24.8% vs. 41.0%, P=0.001) and more laparoscopic surgeries (66.4% vs. 25.0%, P<0.001) were found among patients who received surgery during 2014–2017 than 2008–2013. Logistic regression suggested that independent protective factors against short-term complications were a higher preoperative body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.785–0.964; P=0.008), laparoscopic surgery (OR, 0.391; 95% CI, 0.217–0.705; P=0.002) and elective surgery (OR, 0.213; 95% CI, 0.067–0.675; P=0.009). The chronological decrease in short-term complications was associated with an increase in laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions Our data revealed a downward trend of short-term postoperative complications among surgical ulcerative colitis patients in China during the past decade, which may be due to the promotion of minimally invasive techniques among Chinese surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To provide prenatal diagnosis, pedigree analysis and genetic counseling for a pregnant woman who had given birth to a child featuring global developmental delay. METHODS: A pregnant woman who underwent prenatal diagnosis at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University in August 2021 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the woman, her husband and child, in addition with amniotic fluid sample during mid-pregnancy. Genetic variants were detected by G-banded karyotyping analysis and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Pathogenicity of the variant was predicted based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Candidate variant was traced in the pedigree to assess the recurrence risk. RESULTS: The karyotypes of the pregnant woman, her fetus, and affected child were 46,XX,ins(18)(p11.2q21q22), 46,X?,rec(18)dup(18)(q21q22)ins(18)(p11.2q21q22)mat and 46,XY,rec(18)del(18)(q21q22)ins(18)(p11.2q21q22)mat, respectively. Her husband was found to have a normal karyotype. CNV-seq has revealed a 19.73 Mb duplication at 18q21.2-q22.3 in the fetus and a 19.77 Mb deletion at 18q21.2-q22.3 in her child. The duplication and deletion fragments were identical to the insertional fragment in the pregnant woman. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the duplication and deletion fragments were both predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION The intrachromosomal insertion of 18q21.2-q22.3 carried by the pregnant woman had probably given rise to the 18q21.2-q22.3 duplication and deletion in the two offspring. Above finding has provided a basis for genetic counseling for this pedigree.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; East Asian People ; Pedigree ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/genetics* ; Male ; Fetus ; INDEL Mutation

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has attracted more and more attention in the field of environmental pollution and public health. Previous studies have found that PM_2.5 can be inhaled and deposit in the airway and alveoli, and even spread to the whole-body tissues and organs through blood, resulting in various toxic effects. The malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells associated with long-term exposure to PM_2.5 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. This paper reviewed recent studies on the mechanisms of malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells associated with PM_2.5 exposure, and discussed the main biological mechanisms, including epigenetics, tumor microenvironment, and other biological pathways. Besides, the potential research directions of malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells associated with PM_2.5 exposure were proposed. This work aims to provide a scientific basis and reference for public health management and air quality assessment.

The clinical data of a case of compound oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 10 (COXPD10) caused by a new site mutation of MTO1 gene in the Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University on December 29, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The patient was a 2 months and 19 days old boy of Han nationality.The main clinical manifestations were shortness of breath, hyperlactic acidemia, hyperammonemia and brain damage.Cardiac hypertrophy was not obvious.Heterozygous mutations at c. 344delA and c. 1055C>T sites in the MTO1 gene have not been reported in domestic and foreign literature.COXPD10 caused by MTO1 gene mutations may result in diversified clinical manifestations due to inconsistent mutation sites.For hyperlactic acidemia with unknown predisposing factors, early genetic examination should be conducted to confirm the possibility of COXPD10.

Objective : To investigate the expression differences of helix⁃loop⁃helix hand domain family member D 1/2(EFhd1/2) in Alzheimer′s disease (AD) patients and model mice. Methods : The expression changes of EFhd1/2 in AD patients were compared by using data from Alzheimer′s disease database (AlzData), and the changes in mRNA levels and protein levels of EFhd1/2 in brain tissues of AD patients and healthy control group were detected by qPCR and Western blot. The changes of EFhd1/2 mRNA and protein expression in brain tissues of AD models and wild⁃type mice of 3⁃month⁃old and 6⁃month⁃old were detected. Microglia were isolated from AD models and detected the changes of EFhd1/2 by RNA⁃sequencing. Results : The Analysis of Alzheimer′s Disease Database data showed that the mRNA levels of EFhd1 in AD patients increased, while EFhd2 decreased. AD patients brain tissue samples showed an upward trend in the expression of EFhd1 in different brain regions of AD patients compared with healthy controls, while EFhd2 was not different. In the AD mice model, the mRNA levels of EFhd1 were similar in both 3⁃month⁃old and 6⁃month⁃old AD mice compared with wild⁃type mice, but the protein levels of EFhd1 increased; the mRNA levels of EFhd2 increased in 3⁃month⁃old AD mice, and protein levels remained similar in the brain tissue from AD mice aged 3 months and 6 months. However, EFhd2 increased in microglia from 6⁃month old AD mice. Conclusion EFhd1 increased in both AD model mice and brain tissue of AD patients, suggesting that EFhd1 might play an important role in the development of AD, while EFhd2 increased in microglia in AD model mice, indicating that EFhd2 might be involved in AD related microglia activation and neuroinflammation.