1.A case-control analysis on the effects of combined exposure to heavy metals arsenic, mercury, and cadmium on hearing function in adults
Huanhuan NIE ; Shuyuan ZHANG ; Linsheng YANG ; Xianglong MENG ; Hongli WANG ; Yuan WANG ; Jie YANG ; Dongsheng XU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1237-1244
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between single and combined exposure to arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in urine and hearing loss in adults. MethodsA total of 400 adult patients were recruited for the study, comprising 200 participants in the normal hearing group and 200 in the hearing loss group. General demographic information of the study subjects was collected by a self-administered questionnaire, morning urine samples were tested for As, Hg, and Cd concentrations, and hearing status was assessed by Pure Tone Audiometry. A binary Logistic regression model was used to explore the association between the concentrations of the three metals in urine and hearing loss, and a Bayesian kernel-machine regression (BKMR) model was used to further explore the association between the concentrations of the three metal mixtures and hearing loss. ResultsAfter correction for urinary creatinine, As, Hg, and Cd concentrations were higher in the hearing loss group than those in the normal hearing group (P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression indicated that concentrations of As, Hg, and Cd were positively associated with hearing loss, and the risk of hearing loss was significantly higher in the second quartile of Cd concentration compared to the first quartile (OR=2.000, 95%CI: 1.009-3.964). BKMR modeling analysis showed that the combined exposure levels of As, Hg, and Cd significantly increased the risk of hearing loss, with Cd being the most important contributor (posterior inclusion probability=0.412), and that there were potential interactions between As and Cd, and Cd and Hg. ConclusionCombined exposure to As, Hg, and Cd in urine is significantly associated with adult hearing loss, with Cd being the primary contributor in the exposure combination. The interactions between As and Cd, as well as Cd and Hg, may have adverse effects on hearing loss.
2.Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Promotion by Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Their Active Components: A Review
Shuning LIU ; Xiaotong WANG ; Huanhuan SUN ; Yaohui XIE ; Nan NAN ; Na LI ; Xu LI ; Xiaocheng WEI ; Chengyi LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):322-330
The herb pair Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix is a classic combination embodying the theory of replenishing Qi and tonifying blood in traditional Chinese medicine. The two herbs are often used together to achieve the effects of replenishing Qi, tonifying blood, activating blood, and unblocking collaterals. Clinically, this herb pair is widely applied in the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome and hematopoietic dysfunction disorders such as myelosuppression induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Modern research indicates that Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and their active components can synergistically promote hematopoiesis through multiple targets and pathways. At the cellular level, the active components directly activate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), promoting their proliferation and differentiation, while simultaneously stimulating the production and release of peripheral blood cells. Regarding molecular regulation, this herb pair can regulate the expression of various hematopoietic-related cytokines, such as stem cell factor and erythropoietin. Additionally, it modulates key signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and Wnt/β-catenin, providing signal support for the hematopoietic process. Furthermore, Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix can improve the hematopoietic microenvironment, protect bone marrow stromal cells, and eliminate free radicals through antioxidant effects, thereby reducing damage to hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, this herb pair regulates apoptosis-related proteins to inhibit excessive apoptosis of hematopoietic cells and increase their survival rate. Its material basis primarily includes active components such as Hedysarum polybotrys polysacchcrides and flavonoids, as well as Angelica sinensis polysaccharides and ferulic acid, which synergistically contribute to its hematopoietic-promoting effects. By elaborating on the active components and mechanisms of Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix in promoting hematopoiesis, this paper aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their hematopoietic effects and provide a reference for further research and clinical application.
3.Evidence-based practice of discharge preparation service for patients after receiving percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
Yuhui LI ; Yulian LI ; Wei MO ; Huanhuan LIU ; Qin LI ; Shan XU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(6):650-655
Objective Based on the best evidences to establish the practice plan of discharge preparation service for patients after receiving percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD),and to assess its clinical application value.Methods According to the PIPOST principle the clinical questions were proposed,the best evidences of discharge preparation service for patients after receiving PTBD were retrieved and summarized.The review indicators and review methods were formulated.The baseline review was carried out,the facilitators and barrier factors were analyzed,the change strategies were developed,the clinical transforms were implemented,and the patient outcomes were evaluated.Results After application of the evidences,the implementation of the review indicators of discharge preparation services after PTBD was improved.After discharge,the incidence of catheter complications(including catheter falling-off and puncture site skin infection)was decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of tube obstruction and fluid extravasation.Conclusion The evidence-based practice of discharge preparation service for patients after receiving PTBD is helpful for improving the self-care ability of patients after discharge,reducing the incidence of tubular complications and improving the clinical outcome of patients.
4.Characteristics of tremor in Parkinson disease, essential tremor, and neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(2):99-103
Objective To investigate the characteristics of tremor in Parkinson disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Methods The surface electromyography (sEMG) data of both upper limbs were collected from 73 patients with tremor (30 patients in PD group, 23 in ET group, and 20 in NIID group), and the a power spectral analysis was used to investigate frequency characteristics. A one-way analysis of variance and the chi-square test were used for comparison of electrophysiological parameters on sEMG between the three groups. Results The ET group had a higher tremor frequency than the PD group (F=41.86, P<0.01), while the PD group had a higher tremor frequency than the NIID group in resting state (F=41.86, P=0.002) and in postural state (F=41.86, P=0.011). The PD group had a higher proportion of patients with alternating contractions than the NIID group in resting state (χ2=5.70, P=0.017) and in postural state (χ2=7.24, P=0.007), as well as a higher proportion of such patients than the ET group (χ2=9.67, P=0.002). The PD group also had a higher proportion of patients with harmonic resonances than the NIID group in resting state (χ2=4.64, P=0.031) and in postural state (χ2=7.73, P=0.005), as well as a higher proportion of such patients than the ET group (χ2=6.52, P=0.011). Conclusion The highest tremor frequency is observed in ET, while the lowest tremor frequency is observed in NIID; patients with PD have a higher proportion of individuals with alternating contractions or harmonic resonances than patients with NIID and ET.
Parkinson Disease
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Tremor
5.Distribution of pupil diameter and its association with myopia in school age children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1194-1197
Objective:
To investigate the distribution of pupil diameter and its association with myopia in school age children, providing ideas into the mechanisms of the role of pupil diameter in the onset and development of myopia.
Methods:
Adopting a combination of stratified cluster random sampling and convenience sampling method, 3 839 children from six schools in Shandong Province were included in September 2021. Pupil diameters distribution was analyzed by age, sex, and myopic status. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between pupil diameter and cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE), as well as axial length (AL) and other variables. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to match myopic and non myopic children at a 1∶1 ratio based on age and sex. A generalized linear model (GLM) was constructed with pupil diameter as the dependent variable to identify independent factors influencing pupil size and its association with myopia.
Results:
The mean pupil diameter of school age children was (5.77±0.80)mm. Pupil diameter exhibited a significant increasing trend with age ( F =49.34, P trend < 0.01). Myopic children had a significantly larger mean pupil diameter [(6.10±0.73)mm] compared to non myopic children [(5.62±0.79)mm] with a statistically significant difference( t=18.10, P <0.01). Multivariable GLM analysis, adjusted for age, amplitude of accommodation, and uncorrected visual acuity, revealed a negative correlation between pupil diameter and cycloplegic SE (before PSM: β =-0.089, after PSM: β =-0.063, both P <0.01).
Conclusions
Myopic school age children exhibite larger pupil diameters than their non myopic counterparts. Pupil diameter may serve as a potential indicator for monitoring myopia development in school age children.
6.Oncolytic virus-mediated base editing for targeted killing of cervical cancer cells.
Huanhuan XU ; Siwei LI ; Xi LUO ; Zuping ZHOU ; Changhao BI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1382-1394
Conventional cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often damage normal cells and may induce new tumors. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal cells. Most OVs used in clinical trials have been genetically engineered to enhance their ability to target tumor cells and activate immune responses. To develop a specific OV-based approach for treating cervical cancer, this study constructed an oncolytic adenovirus that delivered a base editor targeting oncogenes to achieve efficient killing of tumor cells through inhibiting tumor growth and directly lysing tumor cells. We utilized the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter to drive the expression of adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) and successfully constructed the P-hTERT-E1A-GFP vector, which was validated for its activity in cervical cancer cells. Given the critical role of the MYC oncogene in the research of oncology, identifying efficient editing sites for the MYC oncogene is a key step in this study.Three MYC-targeting gRNAs were engineered and co-delivered with ABE8e base editor plasmids into HEK293T cells. Following puromycin selection, Sanger sequencing demonstrated differential editing efficiencies: MYC-1 (43%), MYC-2 (25%), and MYC-3 (35%), identifying MYC-1 as the most efficient editing locus. By constructing the P-ABEs-hTERT-E1A-GFP and P-MYC gRNA-hTERT-E1A-GFP vectors, we successfully packaged the virus and confirmed its specificity and efficacy. The experimental results demonstrate that this novel oncolytic adenovirus effectively inhibits the growth of HeLa cells in vitro, providing new experimental evidence and potential strategies for treating cervical cancer based on the HeLa cell model.
Humans
;
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Oncolytic Viruses/genetics*
;
Female
;
HEK293 Cells
;
Oncolytic Virotherapy/methods*
;
Adenoviridae/genetics*
;
Gene Editing/methods*
;
Telomerase/genetics*
;
Adenovirus E1A Proteins/genetics*
;
Genetic Vectors/genetics*
;
HeLa Cells
7.Meta-synthesis of qualitative research of exercise behavior perception in community-dwelling older adults with frailty
Siqi JIANG ; Huanhuan HUANG ; Lijuan CHEN ; Ying PENG ; Xinyu YU ; Chunni WANG ; Mei CHEN ; Li XU ; Qinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(1):113-120
Objective To systematically evaluate and integrate qualitative studies on perception of exercise behaviors in community-dwelling older adults with frailty,and to provide references for clinical development of targeted exercise intervention strategies.Methods A systematic search of PubMed,Medline,Embase,PsycINFO,the Cochrane Library,SinoMed,Wanfang Database,CNKI,and VIP Database for qualitative studies on perception of exercise behaviors in older adults with frailty in the community was conducted from the inception of the databases to June 2024.Literature quality was evaluated using the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research(2016 edition),and Meta-synthesis was performed using the theme synthesis method.Results A total of 10 papers were included,grouped into 10 categories and integrated into the 3 domains of the capability,opportunity,and motivation-behavior model(COM-B model),i.e.Preparation for exercise behavior is influenced by capability factors(physical reserve,knowledge reserve,psychological preparation);stage-specific motivational evolution promotes the internalization of exercise behavior(guiding,focusing,stimulating,and maintaining);external conditions provide opportunities for exercise behavior(individual interaction,community environment,and social support).Conclusion Perceptions of exercise behavior among community-dwelling older adults with frailty or are complex and influenced by a variety of factors.Future exercise intervention strategies should consider modifiable factors,enhance knowledge education,stimulate intrinsic motivation,and solidify external conditions,while also accommodating individual differences and preferences,so as to promote exercise participation and health enhancement in this group.
8.Study on the dynamic changes of brain oxygen saturation in premature infant brain injury and its correlation with amplitude integrated EEG parameters and neurodevelopment
Huanhuan MA ; Xiaojing LIU ; Zhimei SI ; Jingjing XU ; Xuemin QIE
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(16):2461-2469
Objective To investigate the expression of regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO2)in preterm infants with brain injury(BIPI)and its relationship with amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram(aEEG)parameters and neurodevelopment.Methods Retrospectively,116 cases of BIPI(Bilateral Intra-ventricular Perforation)born in the hospital between February 2022 and February 2023 were selected as the study subjects.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Prevention of Premature Infant Brain Injury,these cases were categorized into mild,moderate,and severe groups,with 59,35,and 22 cases,respectively.The study compared the general characteristics of premature infants with different brain injury levels.Regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors affecting brain injury in premature infants,and correlation analyses were performed on aEEG scores,rSO2,and GMS scores.ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the value of combining brain oxygen saturation monitoring with aEEG in predicting abnormal whole-body motor quality assessment.Results On the 3rd and 7th days after birth,severe brain-injured premature infants had significantly lower rSO2 and aEEG scores compared to those with mild and moderate brain injuries(P<0.05).At 7 days,these infants also had lower scores for graph continuity,sleep-wake cycles,lower boundary amplitude,bandwidth,total score,rSO2,gestational age,and birth weight,and a higher proportion of abnormal developmental outcomes(PR+CS)(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the 3-day aEEG total score(OR=0.448,95%CI:0.094~0.890),7-day aEEG total score(OR=0.384,95%CI:0.058~0.726),3-day rSO2(OR=0.574,95%CI:0.398~0.750),and 7-day rSO2(OR=0.431,95%CI:0.115~0.777)were all protective factors for brain injury in premature infants,P<0.05.Correlation analysis showed that brain oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with aEEG scores and overall motor quality.The prediction value for abnormal overall motor quality using 7-day rSO2,aEEG,and the combination of 7-day rSO2 and 7-day aEEG scores was as follows:the positive predictive value for rSO2 was 86.46%,the negative predictive value was 96.85%,the sensitivity was 92.31%,the specificity was 92.21%,and the cut-off value was 0.845;The positive predictive value(PPV)of aEEG was 78.26%,the negative predictive value(NPV)was 96.86%,the sensitivity was 89.74%,and the specificity was 92.21%,with a cut-off value of 0.820.The positive predictive value(PPV)of 7-day rSO2 combined with 7-day aEEG score was 89.04%,the NPV was 96.88%,the sensitivity was 94.90%,and the specificity was 93.51%,with a cut-off value of 0.884,P<0.05.ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of 7-day rSO2+7-day aEEG score was 0.895,De-long test P<0.005,indicating high predictive value for overall exercise quality.Conclusion Combined with rSO2 and EEG,the prediction of overall motor quality is better,which may have clinical value for excluding high-risk children.
9.Effects and related mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular traps on proliferation and migration abilities of breast cancer
Ying ZHOU ; Huitao XU ; Huanhuan ZHANG ; Chu ZHANG ; Shaolin ZHAO ; Jin YANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(2):93-100
Objective:To explore the effects of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and the related mechanisms.Methods:The peripheral blood neutrophils were separated using density gradient centrifugation, 100 nmol/L phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was used to stimulate the formation of NET. Breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was selected and treated with NET (NET group) or deoxyribonucleaseⅠ (DNase Ⅰ) digested NET (NET+DNase Ⅰ group),normal cultured MDA-MB-231 cells were used as the control group. In MDA-MB-231 cells of each group; cell proliferation ability was detected using CCK-8 assay; cell migration was detected by cell scratch assay and Transwell assay; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expressions of frizzled homolog 10 (FZD10), cyclin D1, E-cadherin and Vimentin immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the formation of NET and the expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin; Western blotting was used to detected the expression of FZD10-Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins.Results:Neutrophils were stimulated with PMA for 4 hours, and immunofluorescence assay results showed that NET exhibited fibrous reticular structure with high expression of citrullinated histone (citH3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). The CCK-8 assay results showed that the absorbance values of cells in the control group, NET group and NET+DNase Ⅰ group were 1.25±0.06, 2.14±0.15 and 1.47±0.11, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 80.60, P < 0.001). The results of scratch assay displayed that the percentage of wound closure in the control group, NET group and NET+DNase Ⅰ group were (36.2±1.3)%, (67.2±2.0)% and (46.3±3.2)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 140.50, P < 0.001). Transwell assay indicated that the number of migrating cells in the control group, NET group and NET+DNase Ⅰ group were 317±18, 512±23 and 356±23, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 75.39, P < 0.001). qRT-PCR assay revealed that the relative expressions of FZD10, cyclin D1 and Vimentin mRNA in the NET group were higher than those in the control group, while the relative expression of E-cadherin mRNA was lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.001); the relative expressions of FZD10, cyclin D1 and Vimentin mRNA in the NET+DNase Ⅰ group were lower than those in the NET group, while the relative expression of E-cadherin mRNA was higher than that in the NET group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence assay indicated that the number of cells expressing Vimentin in the control group, NET group and NET+DNase Ⅰ group were 35±6, 86±13 and 51±6, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 24.65, P = 0.001); the number of cells expressing E-cadherin were 31±4, 11±3 and 24±2, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 38.36, P < 0.001). Western blotting results demonstrated that the relative expressions of FZD10, β-catenin and Vimentin proteins in the NET group were higher than those in the control group, while the relative expression of E-cadherin protein was lower than that in the control group; the relative expressions of FZD10, β-catenin and Vimentin proteins in the NET+DNase Ⅰ group were lower than those in the NET group, while the relative expression of E-cadherin protein was higher than that in the NET group. Conclusions:NET may promote the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by upregulating the expression of FZD10 and subsequently activating the Wnt-β-catenin signal pathway.
10.Mechanism of Shengmai Injection Against Cerebral Ischemia Based on Proteomics
Jingtong LIU ; Shaowei HU ; Mengli CHANG ; Jing XU ; Qingqing CAI ; Xinghong LI ; Liying TANG ; Huanhuan WANG ; Hongwei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):57-67
ObjectiveTo evaluate pharmacological effects of Shengmai injection(SMI)on cerebral ischemia and study its neuroprotective mechanism. MethodsMale specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a low-dose SMI group(3 mL·kg-1), a middle-dose SMI group(6 mL·kg-1), a high-dose SMI group(12 mL·kg-1), and a Ginaton group(4 mL·kg-1)according to the random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(MCAO/R)was prepared via the suture method. The administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding concentrations of SMI or Ginaton injection after reperfusion, which was conducted for 3 consecutive days. The sham group and model group were administered the equivalent volume of physiological saline. The pharmacological effects of SMI on brain injury in MCAO/R rats were evaluated by neurological function scores, cerebral infarction area, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and Western blot. The dominant link and key protein of SMI treating cerebral injury were explored using proteomic analysis. The related mechanisms of SMI were further validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and chloride ion fluorescence probe with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)-treated PC12 cells and MCAO/R rats. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed significantly increased neurological function scores, cerebral infarction area, neuronal apoptosis rate, and expression levels of apoptosis related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01)and significantly decreased density of Nissl bodies and neurons(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SMI groups exhibited significantly decreased neurological function scores, cerebral infarction area, neuronal apoptosis rate, and expression levels of apoptosis related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01)and significantly increased density of Nissl bodies and neurons (P<0.05). The proteomic analysis results showed that oxidative stress and inflammatory response were important processes of SMI intervening in MCAO/R injury, and the chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1) was one of key proteins in its action network. The levels of representative indicators of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the MCAO/R rats of the SMI groups were significantly reduced, compared with those in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of CLIC1 and downstream NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) decreased (P<0.01). In addition, the experimental results based on the OGD/R PC12 cells showed that SMI significantly increased the cell survival rate(P<0.01) and significantly decreased the intracellular chloride ion concentration(P<0.05). ConclusionSMI has neuroprotective effects. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are key processes of SMI intervening in MCAO/R injury. The potential mechanism is closely related to the regulation of CLIC1.


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