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.

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 analyze the incidence and spatiotemporal distribution of typhus fever in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023, to identify high-risk populations and regions, so as to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of local prevention and control resources and developing targeted intervention measures. MethodsData of typhus fever cases in Baoshan City from 2005 to 2023 were obtained from the Infectious Disease Information Management System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial and demographic distribution of typhus fever cases. Spatial clustering was assessed using spatial dynamic window scan statistics (circular and elliptical windows), flexible spatial scan statistics, and local spatial autocorrelation methods (including local Moran’s I, local Geary’s C, and Getis-Ord G_i*). Retrospective spatiotemporal scan statistics were employed to detect spatiotemporal clusters. ResultsA total of 1 099 typhus fever cases were reported in Baoshan City from 2005 to 2023. The incidence rate peaked at 6.31/ 100 000 in 2007, followed by a decline until reaching its lowest level at 0.21/100 000 in 2015 , and subsequently rebounded during 2016‒2023. The highest proportion of cases was among children under 10 years of age (31.12%), and the top three occupations of cases were farmers, students, and children, accounting for 88.62% of all cases. Cases occurred predominantly between June and September each year. The incidence was relatively high in Jiucheng Town (62.58/100 000), Yaoguan Town (57.15/100 000), and Dianyang Town (46.81/100 000) of Shidian County. Spatial clustering analyses indicated that high-risk areas were mainly located in the southern part of Baoshan City, showing a south-to-north trend. Spatiotemporal scan analyses identified five clusters, with the most likely cluster centered around Yaoguan Town, covering ten towns (subdistricts) during the period 2007‒2010. ConclusionThe incidence of typhus fever in Baoshan City exhibits a clear seasonal and spatial clustering pattern, with peak incidence occurring in summer and autumn. Spatially, cases are primarily distributed in the southern part of Baoshan City, and high-risk clusters exhibit a south-to-north trend. Farmers, students, and children are the high-risk groups.

Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD. Results: The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure. Conclusions Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.

The incidence of vascular diseases is extremely high and mechanical stress plays an important role in vascular remodeling.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)at physiological levels modulate cell signaling while excessive ROS trigger oxidative stress and induce injury.The types of mechanical stresses in the vascular system and the sources of ROS are summarized.Besides,the roles and mechanisms of mechanical stress-induced oxidative stress in vascular diseases are discussed.This review will facilitate a deeper understanding of vascular activity and disease development at the molecular level,provide potential targets for treating vascular diseases.In addition,there are still research gaps on the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by mechanical stress in vascular diseases.Therefore,the potential research direction of mechanical stress-induced oxidative stress in the vascular system is also predicted,with the aim to promote the development of mechanobiology to a certain extent.

Objective To explore the effect of diet therapy on alcohol-induced chronic liver injury in rats and its relationship with TLR4 pathway.Methods According to Pueraria:Poria:Amomum villosum:Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae:Codonopsis:Zingiberis Rhizoma=15∶15∶10∶10∶10∶6,the water extract of the therapeutic prescription was prepared.A total of 78 female SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group(n=12),model group(n=18),Hugan tablet group(0.35 g·kg-1,n=12),low-,medium-and high-dose Shiliaofang groups(2,6,18 g·kg-1,n=12).Except for the normal group,the rats in each group were induced alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by gradient alcohol gavage.After 10 weeks of intervention,the changes of body weight and water intake of rats were observed.The whole blood routine,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and liver malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured.The levels of serum alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),lipopolysaccharide(LPS),D-lactic acid(D-LA),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-10(IL-10)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver and ileum.Oil red staining was used to observe liver fat deposition.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ileal tight junction component occludin.Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver.Results Compared with the model group,the levels of WBC,LYC,TC,ALT,AST,LPS,D-LA,TNF-α and IL-6 in each diet group decreased,IL-10 increased,liver inflammatory cell infiltration and red lipid droplets decreased,intestinal villi were intact and densely arranged,the expression of occludin protein in ileum increased,and the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver decreased.Conclusion The self-made dietotherapy prescription has a significant protective effect on chronic liver injury induced by alcohol in rats,which may be related to its down-regulation of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB p65 protein expression and up-regulation of ileal occludin protein expression,improvement of intestinal mucosal barrier function,reduction of endotoxin entry into the liver,activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway,thereby reducing the second hit to the liver.This diet can be developed as a potential anti-alcoholic liver injury drug.

The incidence of vascular diseases is extremely high and mechanical stress plays an important role in vascular remodeling.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)at physiological levels modulate cell signaling while excessive ROS trigger oxidative stress and induce injury.The types of mechanical stresses in the vascular system and the sources of ROS are summarized.Besides,the roles and mechanisms of mechanical stress-induced oxidative stress in vascular diseases are discussed.This review will facilitate a deeper understanding of vascular activity and disease development at the molecular level,provide potential targets for treating vascular diseases.In addition,there are still research gaps on the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by mechanical stress in vascular diseases.Therefore,the potential research direction of mechanical stress-induced oxidative stress in the vascular system is also predicted,with the aim to promote the development of mechanobiology to a certain extent.

Objective To explore the effect of diet therapy on alcohol-induced chronic liver injury in rats and its relationship with TLR4 pathway.Methods According to Pueraria:Poria:Amomum villosum:Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae:Codonopsis:Zingiberis Rhizoma=15∶15∶10∶10∶10∶6,the water extract of the therapeutic prescription was prepared.A total of 78 female SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group(n=12),model group(n=18),Hugan tablet group(0.35 g·kg-1,n=12),low-,medium-and high-dose Shiliaofang groups(2,6,18 g·kg-1,n=12).Except for the normal group,the rats in each group were induced alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by gradient alcohol gavage.After 10 weeks of intervention,the changes of body weight and water intake of rats were observed.The whole blood routine,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and liver malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured.The levels of serum alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),lipopolysaccharide(LPS),D-lactic acid(D-LA),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-10(IL-10)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver and ileum.Oil red staining was used to observe liver fat deposition.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ileal tight junction component occludin.Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver.Results Compared with the model group,the levels of WBC,LYC,TC,ALT,AST,LPS,D-LA,TNF-α and IL-6 in each diet group decreased,IL-10 increased,liver inflammatory cell infiltration and red lipid droplets decreased,intestinal villi were intact and densely arranged,the expression of occludin protein in ileum increased,and the expression of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 protein in liver decreased.Conclusion The self-made dietotherapy prescription has a significant protective effect on chronic liver injury induced by alcohol in rats,which may be related to its down-regulation of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB p65 protein expression and up-regulation of ileal occludin protein expression,improvement of intestinal mucosal barrier function,reduction of endotoxin entry into the liver,activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway,thereby reducing the second hit to the liver.This diet can be developed as a potential anti-alcoholic liver injury drug.