1.The Role of NEAT1 in Bone and Cartilage Metabolism and Bone Diseases
Rui-Ming WEN ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Yi-Xing CHANG ; Ke XU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):930-945
In the process of maintaining the steady state of bone tissue, the transcription network and signal pathway of the body play a vital role. These complex regulatory mechanisms need precise coordination to ensure the balance between bone formation and bone absorption. Once this balance is broken, it may lead to pathological changes of bone and cartilage, and then lead to various bone diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand these regulatory mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. In recent years, with the deepening of research, more and more lncRNA has been found to be closely related to bone health. Among them, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as an extremely abundant RNA molecule in mammalian nuclei, has attracted extensive attention. NEAT1 is mainly transcribed from a specific site in human chromosome 11 by RNA polymerase II (RNaseP), which can form two different subtypes NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2. These two subtypes are different in intracellular distribution and function, but they participate in many biological processes together. Studies have shown that NEAT1 plays a specific role in the process of cell growth and stress response. For example, it can regulate the development of osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC) and chondrocytes by balancing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus maintaining the steady state of bone metabolism. This discovery reveals the important role of NEAT1 in bone development and remodeling. In addition, NEAT1 is closely related to a variety of bone diseases. In patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS), the expression level of NEAT1 is different. These differential expressions may be closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of bone diseases. By regulating the level of NEAT1, it can affect a variety of signal transduction pathways, and then affect the development of bone diseases. For example, some studies show that by regulating the expression level of NEAT1, the activity of osteoclasts can be inhibited, and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted, thus improving the symptoms of osteoporosis. It is worth noting that NEAT1 can also be used as a key sensor for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. When exercising or receiving some natural products, the expression level of NEAT1 will change, thus reflecting the response of bones to external stimuli. This feature makes NEAT1 an important target for studying the prevention and treatment strategies of bone diseases. However, although the role of NEAT1 in bone biology and bone diseases has been initially recognized, its specific mechanism and regulatory relationship are still controversial. For example, the expression level, mode of action and interaction with other molecules of NEAT1 in different bone diseases still need further in-depth study. This paper reviews the role of NEAT1 in maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism, and discusses its expression and function in various bone diseases. By combing the existing research results and controversial points, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, and provide useful reference and enlightenment for future research.
2.Remote Virtual Companion via Tactile Codes and Voices for The People With Visual Impairment
Song GE ; Xuan-Tuo HUANG ; Yan-Ni LIN ; Yan-Cheng LI ; Wen-Tian DONG ; Wei-Min DANG ; Jing-Jing XU ; Ming YI ; Sheng-Yong XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(1):158-176
ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.
3.A national questionnaire survey on endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China
Xing WANG ; Bing HU ; Yiling LI ; Zhijie FENG ; Yanjing GAO ; Zhining FAN ; Feng JI ; Bingrong LIU ; Jinhai WANG ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Tong DANG ; Hong XU ; Derun KONG ; Lili YUAN ; Liangbi XU ; Shengjuan HU ; Liangzhi WEN ; Ping YAO ; Yunxiao LIANG ; Xiaodong ZHOU ; Huiling XIANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Xiaoquan HUANG ; Yinglei MIAO ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; De'an TIAN ; Feihu BAI ; Jitao SONG ; Ligang CHEN ; Yingcai MA ; Yifei HUANG ; Bin WU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(1):43-51
Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.
4.Road traffic injuries among middle school students commuting to school in Shaoxing City
XU Lulu ; HUANG Wen ; HUANG Mingang ; WANG Keying ; CHEN Kangkang ; CHEN Qifeng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(10):838-841
Objective:
To investigate the situation of road traffic injuries (RTIs) among middle school students in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the basis for implementation of interventions against RTIs among students.
Methods:
From 2021 to 2023, a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 82 junior high school classes and 89 senior high school classes in Shaoxing City as the survey population. Data on basic information, commuting travel, road safety behaviors and road safety knowledge awareness were collected through questionnaires, and the prevalence of RTIs in the past year was analyzed.
Results:
A total of 6 287 middle school students were surveyed, and 971 cases of RTIs were reported, with a reporting rate of 15.44%. The reporting rate of RTIs was higher in males than in females (17.68% vs. 13.34%, P<0.05). The reporting rate of RTIs was higher in high school students than in junior high school students (17.70% vs. 12.66%, P<0.05). The students who mainly walked to school (18.00%), walked 5 days a week (17.82%) and traveled with classmates (17.58%) had higher reporting rates of RTIs. Among those who walked for ≥20 minutes, the reporting rate of RTIs was higher in males than in females (P<0.05). Among different road safety behaviors, the reporting rate of RTIs was higher in males than in females who used electronic devices (P<0.05). The reporting rates of RTIs were relatively high among students who played for ≥10 minutes on the way (32.92%), crossed traffic lights directly when being late for school (41.54%) and crossed traffic barriers directly (30.67%). The reporting rate of RTIs among middle school students decreased with the increase of road safety knowledge scores (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Male students, high school students, students with road risky behaviors and with low awareness of road safety knowledge have higher reporting rates of RTIs. It is necessary to strengthen road safety knowledge education for students.
5.Preliminary exploration of the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of icaritin in regulating macrophage polarization for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Jing-wen WANG ; Zhen LI ; Xiu-qin HUANG ; Zi-jing XU ; Jia-hao GENG ; Yan-yu XU ; Tian-yi LIANG ; Xiao-yan ZHAN ; Li-ping KANG ; Jia-bo WANG ; Xin-hua SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(8):2227-2236
The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) continues to rise, and there are no effective drugs to treat it. The immune microenvironment plays an important role in the development of ICC and is currently a research hotspot. Icaritin (ICA) is an innovative traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. It is considered to have potential immunoregulatory and anti-tumor effects, which is potentially consistent with the understanding of "Fuzheng" in the treatment of tumor in traditional Chinese medicine. However, whether ICA can be used to treat ICC has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, sgp19/kRas, an
6.Two new isoflavones from Dalbergia rimosa Roxb.
Wei-yu WANG ; Wen-jiao CHEN ; Mei-fang HUANG ; Cheng-sheng LU ; Xu FENG ; Chen-yan LIANG ; Jian-hua WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2053-2057
Studies on chemical constituents in the rhizome of
7.Cost-effectiveness analysis of chemical treatment with drones for Oncomelania hupensis control in marshland and lake areas
Yong CHEN ; Xiaojuan XU ; Daolong WEN ; Bo DAI ; Lan GAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Qingqing HUANG ; Linlin LI ; Fan ZHA ; Liang FANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Chunli CAO
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(5):502-506
Objective To evaluate the molluscicidal effect and cost of spraying molluscicides with drones against Oncomelania hupensis snails in marshland and lake areas, so as to provide new insights into field snail control in China. Methods A marshland and lake setting measuring approximately 12 000 m2 was selected in Wanzhi District, Wuhu City on June 2023 as the test field, and assigned to four groups, of 3 000 m2 in each group. Environmental cleaning was not conducted in groups A or B, which were given 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack-type sprayers and drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and environmental cleaning was conducted in groups C and D, which were given 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones and knapsack-type sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, respectively. O. hupensis snails were surveyed before chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 days post-treatment. The uniformity of chemicals was determined on the day of treatment, and the snail mortality, corrected snail mortality and density of living snails were calculated and compared among groups. The cost of molluscicides, labor fees of environmental cleaning and chemical treatment and cost of equipment were calculated, and the cost for a 1% reduction in the mean density of living snails was calculated 14 days post-treatment. Results The mean densities of living snails and mortality rates of snails were 1.82 to 2.85 snails/0.1 m2 and 1.41% to 2.94% in groups A, B, C and D before chemical treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 55.75%, 49.32%, 85.94% and 87.50%, and 55.00%, 48.47%, 85.70% and 87.29% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment. There was a significant difference in the mortality of snails among the four groups 14 days post-treatment (χ2 = 38.735, P < 0.005), and there was a higher snail mortality in Group D than in Group A (χ2 = 16.876, P < 0.005), and higher in Group C than in Group B (χ2 = 20.508, P < 0.005). The density of living snails reduced by 55.00%, 43.94%, 90.43% and 87.14% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. The test for uniformity of chemicals showed that the mean dose of molluscicides were 57.34, 55.21, 40.19 g/m2 and 32.37 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively, and the minimal standard deviation (7.07) and coefficient of variation (0.18) of mean doses were seen in Group C. The costs for chemical treatment were 0.33 Yuan in groups A and B and 1.53 Yuan in groups C and D, respectively. The costs for a 1% reduction in the mean density of living snails were 17.82, 22.47, 50.73 Yuan and 52.56 Yuan in groups A, B, C, and D 14 days post-treatment, respectively. Conclusions The molluscicidal effect and cost of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones are comparable to manual spraying, and chemical treatment with drones are high in uniformity of molluscicides, time- and labor-saving, and feasible for applications in complex environments, which deserves widespread applications in the field of snail control.
8.Study on the Distribution Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types in Girls with Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty from Hainan Province
Ming WANG ; Wen-Ting XU ; Jing-Han HUANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):27-32
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)from Hainan province.Methods A total of 216 cases of ICPP girls admitted to Hainan Women and Children's Medical Centre from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.The frequency statistics and grading of TCM syndromes in the included ICPP girls were carried out,and the distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes were discussed on the basis of the analysis of the three TCM syndrome types of yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome,qi and blood insufficiency syndrome and incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome.Results(1)The age of ICPP onset in 216 girls were between 4 and 10 years old,with an average onset age of(7.15±1.06)years.The highest incidence rate of ICPP was found in the girls aged over 7 years old while less than 8 years old,which was 49.54%.(2)Of the three TCM syndrome types,yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome accounted for the highest proportion(147 cases,68.06%),followed by the qi and blood insufficiency syndrome(41 cases,18.98%)and the incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome(28 cases,12.96%).(3)The common 16 TCM symptoms(frequency>25.0%)in descending order of frequency were aversion to heat and night sweating,feverish sensation in soles and palms,breast distension and pain,irritability,thready and rapid pulse,dry stools,dry throat and mouth,hot flushes,excessive intake of fat and sweet food,red tongue with less fur,depression,mental weakness,flushed cheeks,insomnia and dreaminess,red tongue with yellow fur,and bitterness and dryness in the mouth.(4)The distribution of the age in ICPP girls with various syndromes was as follows:yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome and qi and blood insufficiency syndrome were more common in the ICPP girls aged over 7 years old while less than 8 years old(accounting for 58.50%and 51.22%),and incoordination between heart and kidney syndrome was more common in ICPP girls aged over 8 years old while less than 9 years old(accounting for 89.29%).Conclusion Yin deficiency and fire exuberance syndrome is the common TCM syndrome that accounts for the highest proportion in ICPP girls from Hainan province.The study of the distribution of TCM syndromes in girls with precocious puberty will be helpful for the observation of the early clinical symptoms of precocious puberty and early diagnosis of the disease,and can provide clues and evidence for the clinical diagnosis and medication for girls with ICPP.
9.Analysis of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 1247 cases of infectious diseases of the central nervous system
Jia-Hua ZHAO ; Yu-Ying CEN ; Xiao-Jiao XU ; Fei YANG ; Xing-Wen ZHANG ; Zhao DONG ; Ruo-Zhuo LIU ; De-Hui HUANG ; Rong-Tai CUI ; Xiang-Qing WANG ; Cheng-Lin TIAN ; Xu-Sheng HUANG ; Sheng-Yuan YU ; Jia-Tang ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):43-49
Objective To summarize the epidemiological and clinical features of infectious diseases of the central nervous system(CNS)by a single-center analysis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 1247 cases of CNS infectious diseases diagnosed and treated in the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from 2001 to 2020.Results The data for this group of CNS infectious diseases by disease type in descending order of number of cases were viruses 743(59.6%),Mycobacterium tuberculosis 249(20.0%),other bacteria 150(12.0%),fungi 68(5.5%),parasites 18(1.4%),Treponema pallidum 18(1.4%)and rickettsia 1(0.1%).The number of cases increased by 177 cases(33.1%)in the latter 10 years compared to the previous 10 years(P<0.05).No significant difference in seasonal distribution pattern of data between disease types(P>0.05).Male to female ratio is 1.87︰1,mostly under 60 years of age.Viruses are more likely to infect students,most often at university/college level and above,farmers are overrepresented among bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and more infections of Treponema pallidum in workers.CNS infectious diseases are characterized by fever,headache and signs of meningeal irritation,with the adductor nerve being the more commonly involved cranial nerve.Matagenomic next-generation sequencing improves clinical diagnostic capabilities.The median hospital days for CNS infectious diseases are 18.00(11.00,27.00)and median hospital costs are ¥29,500(¥16,000,¥59,200).The mortality rate from CNS infectious diseases is 1.6%.Conclusions The incidence of CNS infectious diseases is increasing last ten years,with complex clinical presentation,severe symptoms and poor prognosis.Early and accurate diagnosis and standardized clinical treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality rate and ease the burden of disease.
10.The effect of staged thematic painting therapy on children with emotional disorders: a quasi-experimental study
Juan CHEN ; Yifei CHEN ; Hui ZHONG ; Wen HUANG ; Lei LIU ; Gengfu WANG ; Lianying XU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(1):2-7
Objective:To explore the effects of staged thematic painting therapy on positive emotions, alexithymia and self-efficacy in children with emotional disorders.Methods:This was a quasi-experimental study. By convenient sampling, 61 children with emotional disorders admitted from January 2022 to December 2022 to the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychology, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University were selected as the research objects, 31 patients admitted from January 2022 to June 2022 were listed as the control group and 30 patients admitted from July 2022 to December 2022 were listed as the observation group according to the time of admission.The control group was given routine psychiatric care, and the observation group was given staged thematic painting therapy on this basis. The intervention time was 6 weeks. The intervention effect was evaluated by Positive and Negative Affect Scale,Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale.Results:There were 15 males and 16 females in the control group, aged (14.19 ± 1.79) years old. There were 13 males and 17 females in the observation group, aged (14.47 ± 1.55) years old. The difference in baseline data between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P>0.05) and was comparable. There was no significant difference in the score of positive emotions, alexithymia and self-efficacy before intervention between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, the scores of positive emotions and self-efficacy in the observation group were (43.20±7.41), (31.88 ± 5.42) points, which were higher than those in the control group (33.81 ± 6.92), (21.24 ± 5.41) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-6.19, -5.63, both P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of alexithymia in the observation group was (53.44 ± 4.68) points, which was lower than that in the control group (60.44 ± 5.52) points, the difference was statistically significant ( t=-8.72, P<0.05). Conclusions:Staged thematic painting therapy can effectively improve the positive emotions, self-efficacy and alexithymia level of children with emotional disorders, help the patients establish confidence to overcome the disease. It is valuable in clinical practice.


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