BACKGROUND: The mechanisms distinguishing metabolically healthy from unhealthy phenotypes within the same BMI categories remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between regional fat distribution and metabolically unhealthy phenotypes in Chinese adults across different BMI categories. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involving 11833 Chinese adults aged 20 years and older. Covariance analysis, adjusted for age, compared the percentage of regional fat (trunk, leg, or arm fat divided by whole-body fat) between metabolically healthy and unhealthy participants. Trends in regional fat percentage with the number of metabolic abnormalities were assessed by the Jonckheere-Terpstra test. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression models. All analyses were performed separately by sex. RESULTS: In non-obese individuals, metabolically unhealthy participants exhibited higher percent trunk fat and lower percent leg fat compared to healthy participants. Additionally, percent trunk fat increased and percent leg fat decreased with the number of metabolic abnormalities. After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as BMI, higher percent trunk fat was associated with increased odds of being metabolically unhealthy [highest vs. lowest quartile: ORs (95%CI) of 1.64 (1.35, 2.00) for men and 2.00 (1.63, 2.46) for women]. Conversely, compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs (95%CI) of metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the highest quartile for percent arm and leg fat were 0.64 (0.53, 0.78) and 0.60 (0.49, 0.74) for men, and 0.72 (0.56, 0.93) and 0.46 (0.36, 0.59) for women, respectively. Significant interactions between BMI and percentage of trunk and leg fat were observed in both sexes, with stronger associations found in individuals with normal weight and overweight. CONCLUSIONS Trunk fat is associated with a higher risk of metabolically unhealthy phenotype, while leg and arm fat are protective factors. Regional fat distribution assessments are crucial for identifying metabolically unhealthy phenotypes, particularly in non-obese individuals.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adipose Tissue ; Body Fat Distribution ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Surveys ; Phenotype

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective To construct a precise model for identifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutions,thereby offering optimized guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan-ning,and ultimately enhancing medical efficiency and treatment outcomes. Methods First,TCM full-body inspection data acquisition equipment was employed to col-lect full-body standing images of healthy people,from which the constitutions were labelled and defined in accordance with the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(CCMQ),and a dataset encompassing labelled constitutions was constructed.Second,heat-suppres-sion valve(HSV)color space and improved local binary patterns(LBP)algorithm were lever-aged for the extraction of features such as facial complexion and body shape.In addition,a dual-branch deep network was employed to collect deep features from the full-body standing images.Last,the random forest(RF)algorithm was utilized to learn the extracted multifea-tures,which were subsequently employed to establish a TCM constitution identification mod-el.Accuracy,precision,and F1 score were the three measures selected to assess the perfor-mance of the model. Results It was found that the accuracy,precision,and F1 score of the proposed model based on multifeatures for identifying TCM constitutions were 0.842,0.868,and 0.790,respectively.In comparison with the identification models that encompass a single feature,either a single facial complexion feature,a body shape feature,or deep features,the accuracy of the model that incorporating all the aforementioned features was elevated by 0.105,0.105,and 0.079,the precision increased by 0.164,0.164,and 0.211,and the F1 score rose by 0.071,0.071,and 0.084,respectively. Conclusion The research findings affirmed the viability of the proposed model,which incor-porated multifeatures,including the facial complexion feature,the body shape feature,and the deep feature.In addition,by employing the proposed model,the objectification and intel-ligence of identifying constitutions in TCM practices could be optimized.

Background/Aims: Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators. Results: Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders. Conclusions In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.

Sleep deprivation (SD) has a profound impact on the central nervous system, resulting in an array of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Despite this, the dynamic alterations in neuronal activity during sleep deprivation have not been extensively investigated. While some researchers propose that sleep deprivation diminishes neuronal activity, thereby leading to depression. Others argue that short-term sleep deprivation enhances neuronal activity and dendritic spine density, potentially yielding antidepressant effects. In this study, a two-photon microscope was utilized to examine the calcium transients of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neurons in awake SD mice in vivo at 24-hour intervals. It was observed that SD reduced the frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ transients while increasing the proportions of inactive neurons. Following the cessation of sleep deprivation, neuronal calcium transients demonstrated a gradual recovery. Moreover, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed a significant decrease in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic current (sEPSC) after SD. The investigation also assessed several oxidative stress parameters, finding that sleep deprivation substantially elevated the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), while simultaneously decreasing the expression of Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the ACC. Importantly, the administration of gallic acid (GA) notably mitigated the decline of calcium transients in ACC neurons. GA was also shown to alleviate oxidative stress in the brain and improve cognitive impairment caused by sleep deprivation. These findings indicate that the calcium transients of ACC neurons experience a continuous decline during sleep deprivation, a process that is reversible. GA may serve as a potential candidate agent for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment induced by sleep deprivation.

OBJECTIVE To study the correlation between color and inner quality during the processing of Prunus mume carbon， and provide reference for the determination of processing end point of P. mume carbon. METHODS The chromaticity value of P. mume carbon powder was measured by colorimeter， and the inner quality of P. mume carbon was measured by selecting the contents of water， water-soluble extract， citric acid and tannin. The dynamic change trend of the chromaticity value， water， water- soluble extract， the contents of citric acid and tannin in P. mume carbon under different processing time was analyzed. The correlation between color and the above indexe contents was analyzed， and the regression equation of inner quality-chromaticity value was established. Combined with principal component analysis （PCA）， hierarchical cluster analysis （CA） and partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA）， the difference of P. mume carbon at different processing times was analyzed to determine the processing end point. RESULTS With the extension of processing time， the sample color gradually deepened； the chromaticity values L* and E* of the samples increased at first and then decreased， the chromaticity values a* and b* decreased， and finally all tended to be stable. The content of water-soluble extract， citric acid and tannin in the sample increased at first and then decreased， the water content of the sample decreased with time and finally stabilized. Correlation analysis showed that water， water-soluble extract， citric acid and tannin were positively correlated with L*， a*， b* and E*（P＜0.001）. PCA and HCA showed that P. mume carbon under different processing time could be clustered into two categories： the processed samples of 0-30 min and those of 40-60 min. PLS-DA showed that water and water-soluble extract were important quality indexes and b* was an important chrominance index in the processing of P. mume carbon. The chromaticity value of the samples processed for 50 min and 60 min were not significantly different. The contents of water， water- soluble extract， citric acid and tannin in the samples processed for 60 min were less than those processed for 50 min. CONCLUSIONS There is a certain correlation between the color and the inner quality of P. mume carbon. The processing time of P. mume carbon should be 40-50 min.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of cyclophosphamide combined with leflunomide in the treatment of lupus nephritis.Methods:The clinical data of 90 patients with lupus nephritis who received treatment in The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng from January 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups according to different treatment methods. The single drug group ( n = 45) was treated with cyclophosphamide alone, and the combined drug group ( n = 45) was treated with cyclophosphamide combined with leflunomide. All patients were treated for 6 months. Total response rate, inflammatory factor level, immune function, renal function, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:Total response rate in the combined drug group was 95.56% (43/45), which was significantly higher than 82.22% (37/45) in the single drug group ( χ2 = 4.05, P < 0.05). After treatment, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor in the combined drug group were (45.21 ± 5.07) ng/L, (3.13 ± 1.01) mg/L, (43.37 ± 18.20) IU/mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than (60.20 ± 6.13) ng/L, (6.23 ± 1.31) mg/L, (73.19 ± 19.17) IU/mL in the single drug group ( t = 12.64, 12.57, 7.56, all P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels in the combined drug group were significantly lower than those in the single drug group ( t = 13.05, 13.40, both P < 0.001), but immunoglobulin M level in the combined drug group was significantly higher than that in the single drug group ( t = 13.51, P < 0.001). Serum creatinine and 24-hour urine protein levels in the combined drug group were (78.23 ± 19.13) μmol/L and (1.15 ± 0.33) g/24 hours, respectively, which were significantly lower than (92.19 ± 20.19) μmol/L and (3.15 ± 0.81) g/24 hours in the single drug group ( t = 3.36, 15.33, both P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse reactions in the combined drug group was 6.67% (3/45), which was significantly lower than 22.22% (10/45) in the single drug group ( χ2 = 4.40, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Cyclophosphamide combined with leflunomide is effective against lupus nephritis. The combined therapy can regulate the inflammatory reaction, improve the immune function, promote the recovery of renal function, and be safe.

Osteoarthritis (OA), in which M1 macrophage polarization in the synovium exacerbates disease progression, is a major cause of cartilage degeneration and functional disabilities. Therapeutic strategies of OA designed to interfere with the polarization of macrophages have rarely been reported. Here, we report that SHP099, as an allosteric inhibitor of src-homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), attenuated osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. We demonstrated that M1 macrophage polarization was accompanied by the overexpression of SHP2 in the synovial tissues of OA patients and OA model mice. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, myeloid lineage conditional Shp2 knockout (cKO) mice showed decreased M1 macrophage polarization and attenuated severity of synovitis, an elevated expression of cartilage phenotype protein collagen II (COL2), and a decreased expression of cartilage degradation markers collagen X (COL10) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) in OA cartilage. Further mechanistic analysis showed thatSHP099 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and PI3K-AKT signaling. Moreover, intra-articular injection of SHP099 also significantly attenuated OA progression, including joint synovitis and cartilage damage. These results indicated that allosteric inhibition of SHP2 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OA.

Objective:To investigate the effect of hemodiafiltration combined with Jinshuibao tablet on serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indices in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods:A total of 86 patients with diabetic nephropathy who received treatment in The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng from April 2019 to April 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either hemodiafiltration (control group, n = 42) or hemodiafiltration combined with Jinshuibao tablet (observation group, n = 44). Microinflammatory state, oxidative stress index level, renal function and nutritional status were compared between the two groups. Results:Before treatment, serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the control group were (30.13 ± 3.25) ng/L, (9.43 ± 2.57) mg/L, (46.69 ± 3.54) ng/L respectively, and they were (30.16 ± 3.34) ng/L, (9.48 ± 2.65) mg/L, (46.73 ± 3.38) ng/L respectively in the observation group. There were no significant differences in these indices between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the control group were (16.69 ± 2.73) ng/L, (8.12 ± 2.21) mg/L, (35.63 ± 2.75) ng/L, respectively, and they were (12.34 ± 2.52) ng/L, (6.47 ± 1.53) mg/L, (26.65 ± 2.13) ng/L, respectively in the observation group. After treatment, serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (control group: t = 20.52, 2.50, 15.99; observation group: t = 27.60, 6.16, 32.57, all P < 0.05). After treatment, serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 7.68, 4.04, 16.97, all P < 0.05). Before treatment, serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the control group were (5.63 ± 1.36) nmol/L, (63.38 ± 7.56) mU/L, and (195.96 ± 26.36) IU/L, respectively, while those in the observation group were (5.68 ± 1.25) nmol/L, (63.25 ± 7.38) mU/L, and (195.83 ± 26.27) IU/L, respectively. There were no significant differences in these indices between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the control group were (4.83 ± 1.13) nmol/L, (83.46 ± 5.75) mU/L and (236.69 ± 18.75) IU/L respectively, while those in the observation group were (4.24 ± 0.86) nmol/L, (88.75 ± 5.47) mU/L and (258.76 ± 15.47) IU/L, respectively. After treatment, serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in each group were superior to those before treatment (control group: t = 2.93, 13.70, 8.16, P = 0.002, < 0.001, < 0.001; observation group: t = 6.15, 17.99, 13.37, all P < 0.001). After treatment, serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the observation group were superior to those in the control group ( t = 2.73, 4.37, 5.96, P = 0.004, < 0.001, < 0.001). After treatment, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24-hour urine protein in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 7.85, 8.71, 2.06, P < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.021), and creatinine clearance rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t = 3.01, P = 0.002). Total protein, prealbumin and albumin levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = 9.47, 12.13, 6.18, all P < 0.001). Conclusion:Hemodiafiltration combined with Jinshuibao tablet for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy has a positive effect on microinflammatory state and oxidative stress index level and improves patient's renal function and nutritional status.