BACKGROUND:The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women,but muscle mass,grip strength,and how these factors affect osteoporosis are understudied,and the exact link between them has not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between muscle mass,grip strength,appendicular skeletal muscle index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to assess the potential values of these indices in predicting and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis.METHODS:Eighty-three postmenopausal women were collected from the outpatient clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024.General data were collected.Bone mineral density was detected.T-value,muscle mass of each part,grip strength were recorded.The body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle index were calculated.The patients were categorized into non-osteoporosis group(n=17)and postmenopausal osteoporosis group(n=66)according to T value and fracture history,and were statistically analyzed accordingly.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The body mass,body mass index,bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine,muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index were higher in the non-osteoporosis group than the osteoporosis group(P＜0.05).(2)Muscle mass was positively correlated with bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine and individual vertebrae(P＜0.05).(3)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that body mass and grip strength were linearly and positively correlated with muscle mass;body height and muscle mass were linearly and positively correlated with grip strength,and body mass was linearly and negatively correlated with grip strength.Body mass index was linearly and positively correlated with bone mineral density,and age was linearly and negatively correlated with bone mineral density.(4)Analysis by receiver operating characteristic curve showed that:muscle mass(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of muscle mass were 0.744,76.50％,74.20％and 36.50 kg,respectively,with P=0.002)and appendicular skeletal muscle index(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of appendicular skeletal muscle index were 0.739,82.40％,62.10％and 5.81 kg/m2,respectively,and P=0.002)had good predictive value for postmenopausal osteoporosis.To conclude,a reduction in muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index can help to predict the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis,and the possibility of osteoporosis should be taken into account in postmenopausal women when muscle mass is＜36.50 kg or appendicular skeletal muscle index is＜5.81 kg/m2,in order to prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND:The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women,but muscle mass,grip strength,and how these factors affect osteoporosis are understudied,and the exact link between them has not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between muscle mass,grip strength,appendicular skeletal muscle index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to assess the potential values of these indices in predicting and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis.METHODS:Eighty-three postmenopausal women were collected from the outpatient clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024.General data were collected.Bone mineral density was detected.T-value,muscle mass of each part,grip strength were recorded.The body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle index were calculated.The patients were categorized into non-osteoporosis group(n=17)and postmenopausal osteoporosis group(n=66)according to T value and fracture history,and were statistically analyzed accordingly.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The body mass,body mass index,bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine,muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index were higher in the non-osteoporosis group than the osteoporosis group(P＜0.05).(2)Muscle mass was positively correlated with bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine and individual vertebrae(P＜0.05).(3)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that body mass and grip strength were linearly and positively correlated with muscle mass;body height and muscle mass were linearly and positively correlated with grip strength,and body mass was linearly and negatively correlated with grip strength.Body mass index was linearly and positively correlated with bone mineral density,and age was linearly and negatively correlated with bone mineral density.(4)Analysis by receiver operating characteristic curve showed that:muscle mass(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of muscle mass were 0.744,76.50％,74.20％and 36.50 kg,respectively,with P=0.002)and appendicular skeletal muscle index(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of appendicular skeletal muscle index were 0.739,82.40％,62.10％and 5.81 kg/m2,respectively,and P=0.002)had good predictive value for postmenopausal osteoporosis.To conclude,a reduction in muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index can help to predict the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis,and the possibility of osteoporosis should be taken into account in postmenopausal women when muscle mass is＜36.50 kg or appendicular skeletal muscle index is＜5.81 kg/m2,in order to prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis (hereinafter referred to as brucellosis) in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, and to provide scientific evidence for adjusting prevention and control strategies. MethodsBased on the surveillance data of reported brucellosis cases in Baoshan City from 2020 to 2023 and the information collected through individual epidemiological questionnaire surveys, the epidemic status and clinical characteristics of brucellosis in Baoshan City were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. ResultsA total of 85 brucellosis cases were reported in Baoshan City from 2020 to 2023, and detailed individual information was obtained for 83 of them. Brucellosis in Baoshan City showed a clear seasonal pattern, with peak incidence from May to September. The average annual incidence rate was 0.80/100 000, with a male-to-female ratio of 7.5∶1. And 82.35% of the cases aged 30 to 60 years, with farmers being the predominant affected group. The main clinical manifestations of the cases were myalgia and arthralgia. Regarding transmission routes, 87.95% of the cases had a contact history with cattle, with livestock rearing and grazing being the main exposure modes. Most infections occurred at home. ConclusionFrom 2020 to 2023, the incidence of brucellosis in Baoshan City exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with a peak period from May to September. Males and farmers were identified as the primary affected populations. It is recommended to strengthen livestock surveillance and control, and to enhance both awareness and self-protection capacity among high-risk groups.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of artemitin against ozone (O₃)-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, an artemitin-only control group, an O₃-induced model group, and an artemitin-treated group, with 8 mice in each group. In the artemitin-treated group, animals were injected intraperitoneally with artemitin (20 mg/kg) daily, followed by a 1 h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The artemitin-only control group received the same artemitin injection but was exposed to clean air. The O₃-induced model group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline daily, followed by a 1-h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The blank control group received the saline injection and was exposed to clean air. All treatments were administered for 7 consecutive days. Pulmonary function indices of the mice in each group were measured using a whole-body plethysmography system. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for untargeted metabolomic analysis to examine the changes in overall metabolic pathways in plasma. ResultsCompared with the O₃-induced model group, artemitin treatment significantly improved O₃-induced lung function impairments (P<0.05), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damage in lung tissues. Metabolomics results indicated that artemitin treatment compensatorily enhanced energy supply and oxidized lipid signaling, while inhibiting purine metabolism and tryptophan-derived pathways. ConclusionArtemitin exhibits a significant protective effect against O₃-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. It corrects upstream metabolic disorders by synergistically modulating tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid inflammatory mediators, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness. This study not only reveals the pleiotropic mechanism of artemitin in treating airway inflammation but also provides potential metabolic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for its clinical translation.

Ulcerative colitis（UC） is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa， and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality， oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E₂-related factor 2（Nrf2）， encoded by the Nfe212 gene， plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1（HO-1） and quinone oxidoreductase 1（NQO1）， but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase（GST） and superoxide dismutase 1（SOD1）， effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species（ROS） accumulated in the body， and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition， Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response， cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways， thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this， this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2， the molecular mechanism of activation， the protective effect in the pathological process of UC， and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory， promoting autophagy， inhibiting apoptosis， protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier， and promoting intestinal mucosal repair， providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.

Objective: To analyze the iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 in Baoshan City, so as to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of eliminating and consolidating iodine deficiency disorders in Baoshan City. Methods: From 2018 to 2024, a stratified random sampling method was used to sample 7 363 non boarding children aged 8-10 from 35 survey sites in 5 counties of Baoshan City (Longyang County, Shidian County, Changning County, Tengchong City, Longling County). The salt iodine content and urinary iodine concentration were detected, and the thyroid volume of children was measured by ultrasound. Group comparison was conducted by using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Chi square test. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of salt iodine, urinary iodine and thyroid volume. Results: A total of 7 361 samples of household edible salt for children were detected. The iodized salt coverage rate was 99.70%, the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 97.02 %. The proportion of unqualified iodized salt fluctuated and decreased from 3.14% in 2018 to 2.14% in 2024. The median iodine content of household edible salt for children was 23.70 (21.60, 25.80) mg/kg. The median urinary iodine of children was 217.41 (152.40, 294.59) μg/L, and the proportions of iodine deficiency, adequate iodine, and iodine excess were 9.75 %, 66.66%, and 23.58%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the median urinary iodine of children among different years, ages, genders and before and after the supply of non iodized salt ( Z/H =134.88, 11.04,-4.28,-2.66, all P < 0.01). An average thyroid volume of children was 3.32 (2.77, 3.93) mL, with a goiter rate of 1.91%. Before and after the implementation of non iodized salt supply in Baoshan City in 2023, there were no statistically significant differences in the median iodine content of household edible salt and the goiter rate of children ( Z/χ 2=-1.54, 3.25, both P >0.05), but there were statistically significant differences in the qualified status of iodized salt, the median urinary iodine, and the frequency distribution of urinary iodine ( χ 2/Z =15.53,-2.66, 10.14, all P <0.05). Salt iodine was positively correlated with urinary iodine ( r =0.04) and negatively correlated with thyroid volume ( r =-0.07), and urinary iodine was negatively correlated with thyroid volume ( r =-0.03) (all P < 0.05 ). The thyroid volume of children consuming iodized salt was larger than that of children consuming non iodized salt ( H = 9.99 ), and there were statistically significant differences in thyroid volume among children with different urinary iodine levels ( H =15.13) (both P <0.01). Conclusions From 2018 to 2024, the overall iodine nutritional level of children aged 8-10 in Baoshan City is at an adequate level. The elimination status of iodine deficiency disorders has been continuously consolidated.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XT^TM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Muscle, Skeletal/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cell Proliferation

Hypotension is a leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. The available literature evidences that vascular factors are associated with dementia and that hypotension alters cerebral perfusion flow and can aggravate the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the discovery of biomarkers and the recent progress made in neurovascular biology, epidemiology, and brain imaging, some key issues remain largely unresolved: the potential mechanisms underlying the neural deterioration observed in AD, the effect of cerebrovascular alterations on cognitive deficits, and the positive effects of hypotension treatment on cognition. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to unravel the potential association between hypotension and cognitive dysfunction and reveal the potential benefits of hypotension treatment for AD patients. Here, we review the current epidemiological, pathobiological, and treatment-related literature on neurovascular changes and hypotension-related cognitive dysfunction and highlight the unsettled but imminent issues that warrant future research endeavors.
Humans ; Hypotension/complications* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology* ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology* ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

The polymerase 1 and transcript release factor (PTRF)-cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phospholipid remodeling pathway facilitates tumor proliferation in glioma. Nevertheless, blockade of this pathway leads to the excessive activation of oncogenic receptors on the plasma membrane and subsequent drug resistance. Here, CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was identified through screening of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. Suppressing PTRF-cPLA2 signaling resulted in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway through phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine remodeling, which ultimately increased DPP4 transcription. In turn, DPP4 interacted with EGFR and prevented its ubiquitination. Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, facilitated the degradation of EGFR by blocking its interaction with DPP4. When combined with the cPLA2 inhibitor AACOCF3, it exhibited synergistic effects and led to a decrease in energy metabolism in glioblastoma cells. Subsequent in vivo investigations provided further evidence of a synergistic impact of linagliptin by augmenting the sensitivity of AACOCF3 and strengthening the efficacy of temozolomide. DPP4 serves as a novel target and establishes a constructive feedback loop with EGFR. Linagliptin is a potent inhibitor that promotes EGFR degradation by blocking the DPP4-EGFR interaction. This study presents innovative approaches for treating glioma by combining linagliptin with AACOCF3 and temozolomide.

Objective To analyze the correlation of inflammatory indicators of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome types and Chinese version of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(C-TIRADS)classification and properties of nodules in the patients with thyroid nodules(TN),thus to provide evidence for guiding TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment,and for assessing C-TIRADS classification and properties of the nodules in patients with TN.Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out in 140 inpatients who were diagnosed as TN and had underwent thyroidectomy during the period of January 2021 to January 2024 in the Department of General Surgery of Guangzhou Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine).The patients were allocated to various group with reference to TCM syndrome types,C-TIRADS classification,and the properties of TN.The correlation of each clinical indicator with TCM syndrome types and C-TIRADS classification and properties of TN was analyzed.The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed for evaluating the correlation of clinical indicators with the C-TIRADS classification and properties of TN,receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was used to analyze the predictive value of NLR,MLR,PLR,and SII for the properties of nodules in patients with TN,and the Youden's Index was used to determine the cutoff value for optimal prediction.Results(1)According to the criteria of TCM syndrome differentiation,72 cases were differentiated as qi stagnation and phlegm obstruction syndrome,65 cases as phlegm accumulation and blood stasis syndrome,and 3 cases as heart-liver yin deficiency syndrome.For the number of cases of heart-liver yin deficiency syndrome was too small,only the first two syndromes were included for the analysis.(2)The levels of free T3(FT3)and free T4(FT4)in the patients of qi stagnation and phlegm obstruction syndrome were higher,and the levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody(A-TPO),anti-thyroglobulin antibody(A-TG),neutrophil(NEU),NLR,and SII were lower than those in the patients of phlegm accumulation and blood stasis syndrome,the differences being all statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(3)The levels of NLR,PLR,and SII in the patients with C-TIRADS3 classification were lower than those in the patients with C-TIRADS4 classification,the differences being all statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01);no statistically significant difference of MLR was presented between the patients with C-TIRADS3 classification and those with C-TIRADS4 classification(P>0.05).(4)The levels of NLR,PLR,MLR,and SII in patients with benign nodules were lower than those in patients with malignant nodules,the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(5)The Spearman correlation analysis showed that NLR,PLR,and SII were positively correlated with the C-TIRADS classification of the nodules,and NLR,PLR,MLR,and SII were positively correlated with the properties of the nodules,the differences being all statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(6)The levels of NLR,MLR,PLR,and SII in patients with high-risk TN exerted a certain predictive value for the properties of the nodules,and their area under the curve(AUC)was 0.645,0.641,0.604,and 0.716,respectively,the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).For the prediction of nodule properties by NLR,MLR,PLR,and SII levels in patients with high-risk TN,their cutoff values and the corresponding sensitivities and specificities were 2.261(0.551,0.791),138.108(0.735,0.527),5.132(0.714,0.495),493.114(0.776,0.615),respectively;and their Youden's Index was 0.342,0.262,0.209,0.391,respectively.Conclusion The results indicated that in patients with TN,the FT3 and FT4 levels are positively correlated with the qi stagnation and phlegm obstruction syndrome;the values of A-TPO,A-TG,NEU,NLR,and SII are positively correlated with the phlegm accumulation and blood stasis syndrome;NLR,PLR and SII values are positively correlated with C-TIRADS classification;NLR,PLR,PLR,SII values are positively correlated with malignant TN.NLR,MLR,PLR,SII values exert high efficiency for the prediction of the properties of nodules in patients with TN.