OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) and sarcopenia are significant health concerns in the elderly, substantially impacting their daily activities and quality of life. However, the relationship between them remains poorly understood. This study aims to uncover common biomarkers and pathways associated with both OA and sarcopenia. METHODS: Gene expression profiles related to OA and sarcopenia were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between disease and control groups were identified using R software. Common DEGs were extracted via Venn diagram analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to identify biological processes and pathways associated with shared DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, and candidate hub genes were ranked using the maximal clique centrality (MCC) algorithm. Further validation of hub gene expression was performed using 2 independent datasets. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of key genes for OA and sarcopenia. Mouse models of OA and sarcopenia were established. Hematoxylin-eosin and Safranin O/Fast Green staining were used to validate the OA model. The sarcopenia model was validated via rotarod testing and quadriceps muscle mass measurement. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA expression levels of candidate key genes in both models. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to identify pathways associated with the selected shared key genes in both diseases. RESULTS: A total of 89 common DEGs were identified in the gene expression profiles of OA and sarcopenia, including 76 upregulated and 13 downregulated genes. These 89 DEGs were significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. PPI network analysis and MCC algorithm analysis of the 89 common DEGs identified the top 17 candidate hub genes. Based on the differential expression analysis of these 17 candidate hub genes in the validation datasets, AEBP1 and COL8A2 were ultimately selected as the common key genes for both diseases, both of which showed a significant upregulation trend in the disease groups (all P<0.05). The value of area under the curve (AUC) for AEBP1 and COL8A2 in the OA and sarcopenia datasets were all greater than 0.7, indicating that both genes have potential value in predicting OA and sarcopenia. Real-time RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of AEBP1 and COL8A2 were significantly upregulated in the disease groups (all P<0.05), consistent with the results observed in the bioinformatics analysis. GSEA revealed that AEBP1 and COL8A2 were closely related to extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, ribosome, and oxidative phosphorylation in OA and sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS AEBP1 and COL8A2 have the potential to serve as common biomarkers for OA and sarcopenia. The extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathway may represent a potential target for the prevention and treatment of both OA and sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis/genetics* ; Computational Biology/methods* ; Humans ; Protein Interaction Maps/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Ontology ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; Gene Regulatory Networks

OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic degenerative diseases, with chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation as the major pathological changes. The mechanical stimulation can attenuate chondrocyte apoptosis and promote ECM synthesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of primary cilia (PC) in mediating the effects of mechanical stimulation on OA progression. METHODS: In vivo, conditional knockout mice lacking intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88^flox/flox IFT88 knockout; i.e., primary cilia-deficient mice) were generated, with wild-type mice as controls. OA models were established via anterior cruciate ligament transection combined with destabilization of the medial meniscus, followed by treadmill exercise intervention. OA progression was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and immunohistochemistry; apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining; and limb function by rotarod testing. In vitro, primary articular chondrocytes were isolated from mice and transfected with lentiviral vectors to suppress IFT88 expression, thereby constructing a primary cilia-deficient cell model. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was used to induce an inflammatory environment, while cyclic tensile strain (CTS) was applied via a cell stretcher to mimic mechanical loading on chondrocytes. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect the protein expression levels of type II collagen α1 chain (COL2A1), primary cilia, IFT88, and caspase-12; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess COL2A1 mRNA levels; and flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis. RESULTS: In vivo, treadmill exercise significantly reduced Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores and apoptotic cell rates, and improved balance ability in wild-type OA mice, whereas IFT88-deficient OA mice showed no significant improvement. In vitro, CTS inhibited IL-1β-induced ECM degradation and apoptosis in primary chondrocytes; however, this protective effect was abolished in cells with suppressed primary cilia expression. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical stimulation delays OA progression by mediating signal transduction through primary cilia, thereby inhibiting cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte apoptosis.
Animals ; Chondrocytes/cytology* ; Apoptosis/physiology* ; Mice ; Cilia/metabolism* ; Osteoarthritis/pathology* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Progression ; Interleukin-1beta ; Male ; Cells, Cultured

BACKGROUND:The implant osseointegration rate of patients with diabetes is low,and the failure rate is high,which seriously affects the quality of life.It is urgent to improve the implant osseointegration of patients with diabetes by effective means to elevate the success rate.Exploring the effect of berberine on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under a high-glucose environment and its specific mechanism will provide effective theoretical support for solving the above problems. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of natural extract berberine on the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under the high-glucose microenvironment. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of SD rats were cultured by the whole bone marrow adherence method.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of berberine on the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under the high-glucose environment and to screen out the optimal berberine concentration.The expressions of Runx2 and Osx were detected by alkaline phosphatase activity,alicarin red staining and PCR to determine the effect of berberine on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesymal stem cells under the high-glucose environment.To further explore the underlying mechanism,we introduced the AMPK-specific inhibitor Dorsomorphin and used a DCFH-DA reactive oxygen species fluorescent probe to examine reactive oxygen species levels.The p-AMPK expression was also determined by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)10 μmol/L was the optimal concentration of berberine to promote bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation.(2)Alberberine promoted alkaline phosphatase viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and mineralized nodule formation in a high-glucose microenvironment.(3)Alberberine promoted the expression of Runx2 and OSx in a high-glucose microenvironment.(4)Alberensine effectively inhibited the reactive oxygen species level of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a high-glucose environment.(5)The effects of berberine on promoting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and inhibition of reactive oxygen species were reversed by the AMPK inhibitor.(6)Berberine activated AMPK and promoted p-AMPK expression.(7)The above results indicate that berberine(10 μmol/L)promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a high-glucose environment by activating AMPK and reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

[Objective]To evaluate the knowledge,attitude and practice(KAP)of medication use and safety among the patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)in a 3A-grade hospital of Guangzhou city,and to provide scientific basis for AIDS prevention and treatment.[Methods]A questionnaire survey was conducted among AIDS patients aged 18 years and above in our hospital to investigate their KAP regarding medication use and safety.[Results]A total of 549 questionnaires were collected,of which 503 were valid,with an effective recovery rate of 91.6%.The average scores of KAP were(14.58±8.49),(25.21±6.92)and(47.58±3.33),respectively,with the scoring rates of 36.46%,63.02%,and 95.16%,respectively.There were statistically significant differences(P＜0.05)in knowledge scores among people with different ages,education levels and occupations.Multiple linear regression showed that education level and medical insurance status had most significant impact on knowledge scores(P<0.05).Significant differences were found in attitude scores among people with different education levels(P<0.05),as well as in practice scores among people with different occupations(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression revealed that age,occupation,knowledge score and attitude score had a significant impact on practice scores(P<0.05).Patients expected to receive pharmaceutical care services from the pharmacists via face-to-face communication,network platform and telephone consultation on medication knowledge such as adverse drug reactions and response measures,drug-drug interactions,missed medication and response measures,medication adherence measures,etc.[Conclusions]AIDS patients in this hospital have a good awareness of medication safety,but their knowledge of medication use needs improvement.Some bad habits may affect their compliance,resulting in safety hazards.Therefore,there is an urgent demand for pharmaceutical care services related to rational drug use.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation technique in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.Methods A total of 3985 nodules in 2913 patients with pathologically confirmed benign thyroid nodules during 2016-2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The one-time ablation success rate,incidence rate of postoperative complications and side effects were evaluated.For 1890 ablation nodules in 1449 patients with a median follow-up period of 12 months,the nodule volume re-duction rate (VRR),recurrence rate,re-ablation rate and technical effective ablation rate were evaluated in postoperative 1,3,6,12,24 months and more.Results The success rate of one-time ablation in all patients was 99.7％ (3972/3985),the technical effective ablation rate was 88.6％ (535/604),the recurrence rate was 3.1％ (59/1890) and the re-ablation rate was 0.7％ (13/1890).In the follow-up nodules,VRR in postopera-tive 1,3,6,12,24 months and more was (-17±430)％ (n=727),(48±152)％ (n=643),(72±38)％ (n=573),(83±20)％ (n=604),(88±18)％ (n=279),respectively.In all patients,the incidence rate of major complications was 2.57％,the incidence rate of minor complications was 2.06％,and the incidence of side effects was 3.09％.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of thyroid nodules is an effective and safe method for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

Objective: To analyze the current situation, influencing factors and mechanism of knowledge-attitude-practice(KAP) regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)/sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) among migrant workers in Chengdu's main urban area, so as to provide a basis for the development of effective prevention and control policies for this group. Methods: Convenience sampling and systematic sampling were used to collect demographic information and data on knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behavior characteristics of AIDS/STDs of the participants. The collected data were organized and statistically analyzed by EpiData 3.1 and SPSS 26.0 software. Additionally, a KAP path analysis model was constructed by using AMOS 24.0 software. Results: A total of 257 valid questionnaires were obtained. The AIDS awareness rate was 55.6%, with a mean scores of(5.59±1.61). The awareness rate of STDs was 37.4%, with a mean scores of(9.05±3.00). Discrimination attitudes towards AIDS and STDs were reported by 58 participants(22.6%) and 44 participants(17.1%) respectively. The prevalence of high-risk sexual behavior was 3.50%. Men(OR=0.500, 95%CI: 0.279-0.897) acted as deterrents to knowledge of AIDS. On the other hand, childlessness facilitated discrimination against AIDS(OR=2.748, 95%CI: 1.385-5.451) and STDs(OR=2.287, 95%CI: 1.084-4.825). There was lower likelihood of engaging in high-risk sexual behavior among migrant workers in Chengdu's main urban area who were older(OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.929). The occurrence of high-risk sexual behaviors was influenced both directly and indirectly by attitudes towards AIDS and related knowledge. There was a positive correlation between knowledge about AIDS and STDs and attitudes towards them(r=0.15,0.24, bothP<0.05), as well as between attitudes towards AIDS and attitudes towards STDs(r=0.57,P<0.05). That is, the higher the scores of knowledge, the less likely one was to hold discrimination attitudes. Therefore, increasing the rate of knowledge awareness could reduce discrimination towards AIDS/STDs and the occurrence of high-risk sexual behaviors. Conclusion The level of AIDS/STDs knowledge among the migrant workers in Chengdu′s main urban area is concerning. Innovative interventions should be intensified in key areas and populations.

Objective: To explore the effects of different concentrations of glucose solution on the survival of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens larvae, the attraction to mosquitoes and egg-laying behaviors, so as to provide the reference for developing mosquito control technology based on sugar bait. Methods: White porcelain bowls were filled with 100 mL of 3%, 5%, 8%, 10% and 15% glucose solutions. Ten of fourth instar larvae of Aedes albopictus or Culex pipiens pallens were added to each bowl, and the survival of larvae was recorded after 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Egg-laying cups containing 5%, 8% and 15% glucose solution were put in mosquito cages containing fully blooded female mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens (50 mosquitoes each), and the total number of eggs laid in 72 hours was observed. The analogous site room was filled with fully blooded and starved female mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens (100 mosquitoes each), and simple mosquito control buckets containing 5% and 8% glucose solution and black sticky insect plates. The number of mosquitoes and eggs was observed after 6 days. All the above experiments were repeated 3 times using dechlorinated water as the control. Results: The 72 hour corrected mortality rates of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens larvae gradually increased with the increase of glucose concentration. The glucose solution with 5% and higher concentrations was not suitable for mosquito larvae to survive. The attraction of egg-laying behaviors to Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens gradually decreased with the increase of glucose concentration. The effects were similar between 5% and 8% glucose solution, with the averages of 686.67 and 682.33 eggs for Aedes albopictus, and 3.00 and 2.33 egg rafts for Culex pipiens pallens. In analogous site room, there were 93.33, 105.00 and 130.33 adult mosquitoes captured on average in the control group, 5% and 8% glucose solution groups, respectively, with 8% glucose solution group more attractive to adult mosquitoes than the control group (F=3.283, P=0.030); there were 70.33, 55.33 and 63.00 Aedes albopictus eggs (eggs counts+larvae counts) on average, respectively, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (H=6.761, P=0.034). Conclusion Glucose solution with concentration of 5% or higher can effectively inhibit the survival of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens larvae, and attractive to adult mosquitoes and egg-laying behavoirs.

Humans ; Parkinson Disease/diagnosis* ; Machine Learning

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Liuling Jiedu Pills on acute pharyngitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in rats.Methods The rat model of acute pharyngitis was replicated using the method of injecting 1×109 CFU·mL-1 of Staphylococcus aureus solution into the pharynx of rats.SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a Lanqin Oral Solution group(5 mL·kg-1),and a low-,medium-,and high-dose group of Liuling Jiedu Pills(4.375,8.750,and 17.500 mg·kg-1),with 10 rats in each group.Rats in each group were administered the drug by gavage once a day for 7 days.The general conditions of the rats were observed and recorded every day during the modeling and drug administration periods,and the local inflammation in the pharynx was scored;histopathological changes in the pharynx of the rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;serum interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by ELISA.Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in rat pharyngeal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,rats in the model group had significantly increased pharyngeal erythema,significantly higher inflammation scores(P＜0.01),significantly lower body mass on days 5-7 after modeling(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),significantly higher pathological scores(P＜0.01),significantly higher levels of the serum inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α(P＜0.01),and significantly higher pharyngeal tissues showed significantly higher levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α proteins(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the pharyngeal erythema was significantly reduced in the Lanqin Oral Solution group and the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Liuling Jiedu Pills,and the inflammation scores were significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and the serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly reduced(P＜0.01);the body mass of the rats in the Lanqin Oral Solution group,and in the medium-and high-dose groups of Liuling Jiedu Pills,were significantly increased on the seventh day of the modeling(P＜0.01);the histopathological scores and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α proteins in pharyngeal tissue were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Liuling Jiedu Pills can significantly improve the symptoms and inflammatory pathological changes of pharyngeal tissues in rats with acute pharyngitis,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α.

Objective:To investigate the present situation of unintended pregnancy within two years postpartum and its influencing factors in China.Methods:Participants who delivered a live birth at 60 hospitals in 15 provinces in the eastern, central and western regions of China during July 2015 to June 2016 were interviewed by using structured questionnaire. Information on occurrence of unintended pregnancy within 2 years after delivery, postpartum contraceptive use, sexual resumption, breastfeeding, and women′s socio-demographic characteristics, and so on, were collected. Life-table analysis, cluster log-rank tests and a 2-level Cox regression model were used for data analysis.Results:A total of 18 045 postpartum women were investigated. The cumulative 1- and 2-year unintended pregnancy rates after delivery were 5.3% (95% CI: 4.5%－6.1%) and 13.1% (95% CI: 11.3%－14.8%), respectively. Cox regression model analysis showed that the risk of unintended pregnancy within 2 years postpartum were increased in younger women, ethnic minorities, women with abortion history, and those who had a vaginal delivery with short lactation time and late postpartum contraceptive initiation (all P<0.01). The risk of postpartum unintended pregnancy was not associated with geographic regions and hospitals where women gave a birth (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In China, the risk of unintended pregnancy within 2 years after delivery is relatively high. Service institutions and service providers should improve the quality of postpartum family planning services, promote the use of high effect contraceptive methods, and educate women to use a method at the time of their sexual resumption or even before.