Objective: To analyze the prevalence trends and associated factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Macao from 2005 to 2020, so as to provide evidence for developing health promotion strategies. Methods: Data were obtained from the Macao Citizen Physical Fitness Monitoring Database for the years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 for participants aged 6-22 years. The χ 2 test was employed to analyze trends in detection rates, while univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors. Results: The overweight rate among Macaos children and adolescents increased from 10.4% in 2005 to 14.8% in 2020. The obesity rate rose from 6.8% to 12.1%, with the total detection rate increasing from 17.2% to 26.9%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2 trend =46.7, 87.5, 145.9, P <0.01). Notably, the overweight/obesity rate among boys showed rapid growth ( χ 2 trend = 118.6, P <0.01), while girls exhibited a declining inflection point in 2020. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that children and adolescents with the following characteristics faced higher risks of overweight/obesity: a physical education performance score of 3 points (overweight: OR=2.34, 95%CI =1.10-4.96; obesity: OR=2.39, 95%CI =1.19-4.81), paternal obesity (overweight: OR=2.07, 95%CI =1.38-3.11; obesity: OR=1.51, 95%CI = 1.01-2.27), and maternal obesity (overweight: OR=1.69, 95%CI =1.08-2.63; obesity: OR=1.77, 95%CI =1.16- 2.71 ) ( P <0.05). Conversely, lower risks were observed in those who performed appropriate warm-up activities before exercise (obesity: OR=0.37, 95%CI =0.15-0.95), participated in two academic/non-sports extracurricular classes (obesity: OR=0.46, 95%CI =0.24-0.88), and reported moderate physical exertion during extracurricular exercise (obesity: OR=0.60, 95%CI =0.36-0.98) ( P <0.05) . Conclusions Overweight and obesity among Macao s children and adolescents remain severe, particularly among boys, while girls show early signs of improvement. It is recommended to establish a multi-sectoral collaborative prevention and control system to reduce childhood and adolescent obesity.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer, depression, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and other diseases. However, the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement, and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend, which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM. Recently, while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research, the rise of machine learning (ML) has significantly enhanced their integration with TCM. This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control, mechanism research, diagnosis, and treatment processes of TCM, revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM. Furthermore, the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized, and future directions are discussed.

Abstract To investigate the effects of exercise on gut microbiota(GM) among children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD)，the review provides an in depth summary of the three core biological pathways through which exercise modulates the GM: repairing the integrity of the intestinal barrier to inhibit lipopolysaccharide mediated neuroinflammation; optimizing key metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, to reshape gut-brain communication; synergistically regulating the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway and vagus nerve signaling to balance neurotransmitters. These interconnected pathways not only alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort but also provide a solid biological foundation for improving the core behavioral symptoms of ASD, such as social deficits and repetitive behaviors. Future research should focus on establishing standardized exercise intervention protocols, validating the efficacy of these key biological pathways using multi omics approaches, and exploring combined intervention strategies. The results of corollary studies will provide a more robust scientific basis for precision rehabilitation of children with ASD.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of free medial femoral condyle (MFC) functional chimeric perforator flap (FCPF) transplantation in reconstructing joint function by repairing concomitant osteochondral defects and soft tissue defect in hand and foot joints. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients (5 males, 1 female; mean age of 33.4 years, range 21-56 years) with traumatic osteochondral joint defects and associated tendon, nerve, and soft tissue defects treated between January 2019 and November 2024. Defect locations included metacarpal heads (n=2), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=1), first metatarsal head (n=1), base of first proximal phalanx (n=1), and talar head (n=1), with soft tissue defects in all cases. Osteochondral defect sizes ranged from 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm, and skin defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×4 cm. The stage Ⅰ treatment included debridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement filling of bone-cartilage defects, fracture internal fixation, and coverage with vacuum sealing drainage. Stage Ⅱ involved harvesting a free MFC- FCPF included an osteochondral flap (range of 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm), gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendon grafts (length of 4-13 cm), saphenous nerve graft (length of 3.5-4.0 cm), and a perforator skin flap (range of 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×6 cm), each with independent vascular supply. The flap was transplanted to reconstruct joint function. Donor sites were closed primarily or with skin grafting. Flap survival was monitored postoperatively. Radiographic assessment was used to evaluate bone/joint healing. At last follow-up, the joint function recovery was assessed. RESULTS: All 6 MFC-FCPF survived completely, with primary healing of wounds and donor sites. All patients were followed up 6-44 months (mean, 23.5 months). The flaps at metacarpophalangeal joint in 1 case and at ankle joint in 1 case were treated with degreasing repair because of their bulky appearance, while the other flaps had good appearance and texture. At 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain during joint movement of recipient site was 0-2, with an average of 0.7; at last follow-up, the VAS score of the donor site was 0-1, with an average of 0.3. According to the Paley fracture healing scoring system, the osteochondral healing of all the 6 patients was excellent. The range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 cases was 75%, 90%, and 100% of contralateral side respectively, the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in 2 cases was 65% and 95% of contralateral side respectively, and the range of motion of the ankle joint in 1 case was 90% of contralateral side. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case according to the upper limb function evaluation standard of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and fair in 1 case according to the Maryland foot function score of 93, 91, and 69, respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 6 knees was 91-99, with an average of 95.2. CONCLUSION The free MFC-FCPF enables precise anatomical joint reconstruction with three-dimensional restoration of tendon, nerve, capsule, and soft tissue defects, effectively restoring joint function and improving quality of life.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Femur/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Foot Joints/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and neuroinflammation, remains a formidable clinical challenge. Herein, we present an innovative nose-to-brain delivery platform utilizing lactoferrin (Lf)-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) co-encapsulating α-mangostin (α-M) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA (siB). This dual-modal therapeutic system synergistically combines the neuroprotective and microglia-reprogramming capabilities of α-M with the transcriptional silencing of BACE1 via siB, thereby simultaneously inhibiting Aβ production and enhancing its clearance. Fabricated via a microfluidic approach, the LNPs exhibited uniform particle size distribution, great encapsulation efficiency, and robust colloidal stability. Upon intranasal administration, Lf-functionalization enabled superior brain-targeting efficacy through receptor-mediated transcytosis. In vitro studies demonstrated that α-M reversed Aβ-induced low-density lipoprotein receptor downregulation, promoting microglial phagocytosis and autophagic degradation of Aβ, while siB effectively suppressed BACE1 expression, abrogating Aβ synthesis. In vivo investigations in APP/PS1 transgenic mice revealed remarkable cognitive recovery, substantial Aβ plaque reduction, and alleviation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This intricately designed LNP system, exploiting a non-invasive and efficient nose-to-brain delivery route, provides a biocompatible, synergistic, and transformative therapeutic strategy for the multifaceted management of AD.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsule (TXC) promotes chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair in mice with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Fifty 8-week-old male C57BL mice were randomly divided into normal control group, cartilage damage (induced by subchondral ring-shaped drilling) model group and TXC treatment groups at low, moderate and high doses (184, 368 and 736 mg/kg, respectively). Saline (in normal control and model groups) and TXC were administered after modeling by daily gavage for 6 consecutive weeks. The changes of cartilage damage in the mice were assessed by measuring thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and using micro-CT, modified safranine O and fast green staining, HE staining, and qPCR. Primary cultures of mouse synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) with lentivirus vector transfection for interfering CXCL12, TXC treatment, or both for 24 h were examined for chondrogenic differentiation using immunofluorescence staining, scratch assay, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: In mouse models with cartilage damage, TXC treatment at the moderate dose significantly alleviated joint pain, promoted cartilage repair, and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of CXCL12, GDF5, collagen II, aggrecan, Comp and Sox9 in the cartilage tissue. In primary mouse SMSCs, CXCL12 knockdown resulted in significant reduction of GDF5 protein expression, migration ability and Sox9 protein expression, and these changes were obviously reversed by TXC treatment. CONCLUSIONS TXC promotes chondrogenic differentiation of mouse SMSCs to promote repair of cartilage damage in mice by activating the CXCL12/GDF5 pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoarthritis/metabolism* ; Male ; Growth Differentiation Factor 5/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Chemokine CXCL12/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Cartilage, Articular/drug effects* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*

Objective To simulate modern social stress using a pre-pregnancy chronic mild stress(CMS)model and to explore the mechanisms of emotional,behavioral,and neurodevelopmental changes in male offspring of pre-pregnancy liver qi stagnation female mice through corticosterone(CORT)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 signaling cascade-mediated hippocampal injury.This study aimed to elucidate the impact of negative life events on offspring and the interventional mechanism of Shuyu Capsules.Methods CMS stress was used to induce pre-pregnancy depression in female rats(liver qi stagnation state),followed by intervention with Shuyu and fluoxetine capsules.After screening,male rats were mated and 12 male offspring from each group were selected for behavioral testing and detection of serum CORT levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.BDNF,ERK1/2,phospho(p)-ERK1/2,cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),and p-CREB protein levels in the hippocampus were detected by Western Blot,and BDNF,ERK1,ERK2,and CREB mRNA levels in the hippocampus were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),to verify the effects of pre-pregnancy CMS on the BDNF-ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway and to investigate the key micro-mechanisms of Shuyu Capsules on emotional and learning memory-related behaviors of male offspring of females with pre-pregnancy liver qi stagnation syndrome.Results The distance,number of entries,and duration of stay in the central area in open-field experiments were significantly reduced in offspring in the model group(all P＜0.05).The escape latency during the exploration period of the water-maze experiment was significantly prolonged(P＜0.05)and the swimming distance,duration of the target quadrant,and number of platform crossings were significantly reduced(P＜0.05,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the suspension time and frequency in the forced-swimming experiment were increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the incubation period was shortened(P＜0.05)in offspring in the model group.Prophylactic treatment with Shuyu Capsules and fluoxetine improved the depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment in the offspring in the model group.Biochemical tests showed that CORT levels were increased in the CMS model group(P＜0.05),BDNF,p-ERK1/2,and p-CREB protein levels in the hippocampus were decreased(all P＜0.05),and BDNF,ERK1,ERK2,and CREB mRNA levels were significantly reduced(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Treatment with Shuyu Capsules and fluoxetine increased the CORT content and BDNF,ERK1/2,and CREB protein and mRNA levels in male offspring to varying degrees.Conclusions High levels of CORT in offspring act selectively on the hippocampus,exerting adverse effects on the emotional and learning memory functions of rats by downregulating the BDNF-ERK1/2 signaling cascade.The Chinese medicine Shuyu Capsules can reduce the impact of an adverse intrauterine environment on offspring development by correcting abnormal levels and pathways of glucocorticoids.

AIM:This study investigated the role of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)in sul-fasalazine(SAS)-induced ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells,focusing on the inhibitory effect of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(NRF2)nuclear translocation-mediated activation of SLC7A11 on ferroptosis and its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:SAS-induced proliferation in AML cell lines,Kasumi-1 and THP-1,was assessed using the MTS assay.Cell death inhibitors were employed to determine the mode of cell death.Lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured by flow cytometry;Fe2+,malonodialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)levels,and glutathione per-oxidase 4(GPX4)activity were assessed using micromethods.Quantitative PCR(qPCR)was performed to evaluate changes in SLC7A11 mRNA during SAS-induced ferroptosis,while Western blot measured SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein levels.Moreover,Western blot assessed NRF2 nuclear translocation post-SAS treatment.The NRF2 inhibitor ML385 was used to validate these effects.SLC7A11 mRNA and protein levels were then measured following combined SAS and ML385 treatment via qPCR and Western blot.Cell viability and ferroptosis-related indices were evaluated under the same treatment conditions.Furthermore,a shRNA vector targeting SLC7A11 was constructed to assess changes in cell viability and ferroptosis markers after SLC7A11 knockdown with SAS.GPX4 protein levels were examined following SLC7A11 knockdown.RESULTS:SAS significantly inhibited the proliferation of Kasumi-1 and THP-1 cells at 200 μmol/L and 300 μmol/L,respectively(P<0.05).Only ferroptosis inhibitors(Fer-1 and DFO)significantly reversed SAS-induced cy-totoxicity(P<0.01).SAS increased lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels(P<0.01),while reducing GSH and GPX4 activity(P<0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of SLC7A11 increased during SAS-induced ferroptosis(P<0.01),where-as GPX4 protein decreased significantly(P<0.01).SAS significantly increased the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic NRF2 ratio(P<0.01),which decreased upon co-treatment with ML385(P<0.05).Following SAS and ML385 co-treatment,both SLC7A11 mRNA and protein levels were downregulated(P<0.01).This combination treatment further reduced AML cell viability(P<0.01),an effect reversed by Fer-1 and DFO(P<0.01).Compared with SAS alone,the combination of SAS and ML385 significantly increased lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA while reducing GSH levels and GPX4 activity(P<0.01).SLC7A11 knockdown was successfully achieved.Compared with the NC shRNA group,SLC7A11 knockdown cells showed significantly decreased viability after SAS treatment,which was reversed by Fer-1 and DFO(P<0.01).Lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA content were significantly increased(P<0.01),and GSH and GPX4 were substantially decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,GPX4 protein expression was considerably reduced after SLC7A11 knockdown(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:SAS induces ferroptosis in AML cells.It promotes the nuclear translocation of NRF2 protein,which activates SLC7A11 ex-pression.Inhibition of NRF2 or downregulation of SLC7A11 sensitizes AML cells to SAS-induced ferroptosis.

With the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), computational power, and surgical robotics, the analysis of surgical performance at the granular level of individual surgical gestures has become feasible. Surgical gestures, defined as the smallest independent units of inter-action between surgical instruments and tissues, offer a quantifiable framework for surgical skill assessment. Evidence suggests that the selection and execution of surgical gestures are strongly correlated with the expertise of the surgeon and patient outcomes, underscoring their significance in both surgical training and clinical practice. Moreover, the establishment of a standardized classifi-cation system for surgical gestures and the adoption of uniform terminology have the potential to improve communication efficiency during surgical education and training. The authors synthesize existing classification systems for surgical gestures, with a focus on their applications in diverse tasks such as suturing, exposure and dissection. By examining the latest advancements in AI models applied to surgical gesture, as well as the current research landscape of surgical gesture recognition in digestive surgery, the authors explore the potential applications of such technologies in assisting surgeons during operations in the future.

With the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques in surgery, arti-ficial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, is playing an increasingly important role in mini-mally invasive surgery. By automated analysis of surgical videos, AI can efficiently perform key tasks such as instrument recognition, surgical phase identification, action analysis, anatomical structure recognition, intraoperative diagnosis, adverse event monitoring and smart desmoking. These appli-cations provide essential support for real-time monitoring, surgical navigation and skill assessment during surgery. The authors summarize the current research progress of AI in minimally invasive surgery, including its applications in the fields of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, as well as gastrointestinal surgery. It also explores the potential of AI in enhancing surgical safety, efficiency and skill assessment. By synthesizing the latest research achievements of AI technology in the field of surgery, as well as analyzing its technical challenges and risks, it aims to provide guidance for future innovations and clinical applications, promoting the advancement and implementation of AI in minimally invasive surgery.