Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and osteoporosis (OP) are two very common metabolic diseases. A growing body of experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between MAFLD and OP. MAFLD is often associated with the development of OP. Rutaecarpine (RUT) is one of the main active components of Chinese medicine Euodiae Fructus. Our previous studies have demonstrated that RUT has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and can improve the OP of rats. However, whether RUT can improve both fatty liver and OP symptoms of MAFLD mice at the same time remains to be investigated. In this study, we used C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 months to construct a MAFLD model, and gave the mice a low dose (5 mg·kg^-1) and a high dose (15 mg·kg^-1) of RUT by gavage for 4 weeks. The effects of RUT on liver steatosis and bone metabolism were then evaluated at the end of the experiment [this experiment was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (approval number: IMB-20190124D₃03)]. The results showed that RUT treatment significantly reduced hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, and significantly reduced bone loss and promoted bone formation. In summary, this study shows that RUT has an effect of improving fatty liver and OP in MAFLD mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the antioxidative mechanism of snake venom-derived protein C activator (PCA) in mitigating vascular endothelial cell injury. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in DMEM containing 1.0 g/L D-glucose and exposed to hypoxia (1% O₂) for 6 h followed by reoxygenation for 2 h to establish a cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The cell model was treated with 2 μg/mL PCA alone or in combination with 2-ME2 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) or DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer), and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 were detected using DCFH-DA fluorescence probe, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The OGD/R cell model was transfected with a BNIP3-specific siRNA or a scrambled control sequence prior to PCA treatment, and the changes in protein expressions of HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 and intracellular ROS production were examined. RESULTS: In the OGD/R cell model, PCA treatment significantly upregulated HIF-1α, BNIP3 and Beclin-1 expressions and reduced ROS production. The effects of PCA were obviously attenuated by co-treatment with 2-ME2 but augmented by treatment with DMOG (a HIF-1α stabilizer). In the cell model with BNIP3 knockdown, PCA treatment increased BNIP3 expression and decreased ROS production without causing significant changes in HIF-1α expression. Compared with HUVECs with PCA treatment only, the cells with BNIP3 knockdown prior to PCA treatment showed significantly lower Beclin-1 expression and higher ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS Snake venom PCA alleviates OGD/R-induced endothelial cell injury by upregulating HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling to suppress ROS generation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress in vascular pathologies.
Humans ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism* ; Up-Regulation ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Snake Venoms/chemistry* ; Beclin-1

This paper explored the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rg_1 in regulating mitochondrial fusion through the neurogenic gene Notch homologous protein 1(Notch1) pathway to alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury in HL-1 cells. The relative viability of HL-1 cells after six hours of hypoxia and two hours of reoxygenation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in the cell supernatant was detected by the lactate substrate method. The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) was detected by the luciferin method. Fluorescence probes were used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species(Cyto-ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨ_m). Mito-Tracker and Actin were co-imaged to detect the number of mitochondria in cells. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, mitochondrial fusion protein 2(Mfn2), and mitochondrial fusion protein 1(Mfn1). The results showed that compared with that of the control group, the cell activity of the model group decreased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant increased. The level of Cyto-ROS increased, and the content of ATP decreased. Compared with that of the model group, the cell activity of the ginsenoside Rg_1 group increased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant decreased. The level of Cyto-ROS decreased, and the ATP content increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 elevated ΔΨ_m and increased mitochondrial quantity in HL-1 cells with H/R injury and had good protection for mitochondria. After H/R injury, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and Mfn1 decreased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 increased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. Silencing Notch1 inhibited the action of ginsenoside Rg_1, decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and increased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. In summary, ginsenoside Rg_1 regulated mitochondrial fusion through the Notch1 pathway to alleviate H/R injury in HL-1 cells.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Receptor, Notch1/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Animals ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/drug effects* ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Humans

The emergence of new-generation artificial intelligence technology has brought numerous innovations to the healthcare field, including telemedicine and intelligent care. However, the artificial intelligent medical device sector still faces significant challenges, such as data privacy protection and algorithm reliability. This study, based on invention patent analysis, revealed the technological innovation trends in the field of artificial intelligent medical devices from aspects such as patent application time trends, hot topics, regional distribution, and innovation players. The results showed that global invention patent applications had remained active, with technological innovations primarily focused on medical image processing, physiological signal processing, surgical robots, brain-computer interfaces, and intelligent physiological parameter monitoring technologies. The United States and China led the world in the number of invention patent applications. Major international medical device giants, such as Philips, Siemens, General Electric, and Medtronic, were at the forefront of global technological innovation, with significant advantages in patent application volumes and international market presence. Chinese universities and research institutes, such as Zhejiang University, Tianjin University, and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, had demonstrated notable technological innovation, with a relatively high number of patent applications. However, their overseas market expansion remained limited. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the technological innovation trends in the artificial intelligent medical device field and offers valuable information support for industry development from an informatics perspective.
Artificial Intelligence ; Patents as Topic ; Humans ; Inventions ; China ; Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Telemedicine ; Equipment and Supplies ; Robotics ; Algorithms

The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology is driving profound changes in medical practice, particularly in the field of medical device application. Based on data from the U.S. clinical trials registry, this study analyzes the global registration landscape of clinical trials involving artificial intelligence-based medical devices, aiming to provide a reference for their clinical research and application. A total of 2 494 clinical trials related to artificial intelligence medical devices have been registered worldwide, with participation from 66 countries or regions. The United States leads with 908 trials, while for other countries or regions, including China, each has fewer than 300 trials. Germany, the United States, and Belgium serve as central hubs for international collaboration. Among the sponsors, 63.96% are universities or hospitals, 22.36% are enterprises, and the remainder includes individuals, government agencies and others. Of all trials, 79.99% are interventional studies, 94.67% place no restrictions on participant gender, and 69.69% exclude children. The targeted diseases are primarily neurological and mental disorders. This study systematically reveals the global distribution characteristics and research trends of artificial intelligence medical device clinical trials, offering valuable data support and practical insights for advancing international collaboration, resource allocation, and policy development in this field.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Clinical Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data* ; Equipment and Supplies ; Registries ; United States

A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.

A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.

Objective:To explore the effects of hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)on immune mediators dysregulation in severe infection after chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and its molecular mechanism.Methods:Bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of 36 AML patients with severe infection(AML-SI)and 29 AML patients without infection(AML-NI)after chemotherapy were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University from August 2022 to June 2023.In addition,the peripheral blood of 21 healthy subjects from the same period in our hospital was selected as the control group.The mRNA expressions of CXCL12,CXCR4 and CXCR7 were detected by RT-qPCR technology,and the levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA.Leukemia-derived THP-1 cells were selected and constructed as AML disease model.At the same time,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs)from AML-SI patients were co-cultured with THP-1 cells and divided into Mono group and Co-culture group.THP-1 cells were treated with different concentration gradients of HCQ.The cell proliferation activity was subsequently detected by CCK-8 method and apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry.ELISA was used to detect the changes of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α levels in the supernatant of the cell co-culture system,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes of the core members of the CXCL12-CXCR4/7 regulatory axis,and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of apoptosis regulatory molecules and related signaling pathway proteins.Results:CXCL12,CXCR4,CXCR7,as well as IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-α were all abnormally increased in AML patients,and the increases were more significant in AML-SI patients(P＜0.01).Furthermore,there were statistically significant differences between AML-NI patients and AML-SI patients(all P＜0.05).HCQ could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of THP-1 cells,but the low concentration of HCQ had no significant effect on the killing of THP-1 cells.When THP-1 cells were co-cultured with BM-MSCs of AML patients,the levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in the supernatance of Co-culture group were significantly higher than those of Mono group(all P＜0.01).After HCQ intervention,the levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in cell culture supernatant of Mono group were significantly decreased compared with those before intervention(all P＜0.01).Similarly,those of Co-culture group were also significantly decreased(all P＜0.001).However,the expression of the core members of the CXCL12-CXCR4/7 regulatory axis was weakly affected by HCQ.HCQ could up-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax,down-regulate the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,as well as simultaneously promote the hydrolytic activation of Caspase-3 when inhibiting the activation level of TLR4/NF-κ B pathway,then induce the programmed death of THP-1 cells after intervention.Conclusion:The core members of CXCL12-CXCR4/7 axis and related cytokines may be important mediators of severe infectious immune disorders in AML patients.HCQ can inhibit cytokine levels to reverse immune mediators dysregulation and suppress malignant biological characteristics of leukemia cells.The mechanisms may be related to regulating the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins,hydrolytically activating Caspase-3 and inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF-κ B signaling pathway.

In recent years, the incidence rate of tubal infertility has been rising. In China, most patients with tubal infertility prioritize conservative management or tubal reconstruction surgery in order to preserve fallopian tubes as far as possible. In order to meet the reproductive needs of tubal infertile patients, clinicians in the reproductive field need to evaluate various infertility risk factors comprehensively, weigh the pros and cons, and explore individualized reproductive programs which are more in line with the interests of patients. Correspondingly, higher requirements for the imaging evaluation efficiency of the fallopian tubes have been put forward. Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy), as a first-line imaging technique for evaluating tubal patency, still faces many controversies and dilemmas despite its value being widely recognized in clinical practice. This paper aims to provide viewpoints for the advancement of HyCoSy by reviewing literature and summarizing experiences.