1.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
2.Umbrella decision-making model for diagnosis and treatment of elderly lung cancer patients: Construction and practice
Lunxu LIU ; Jian ZHOU ; Xiang DING ; Nan CHEN ; Jianxin XUE ; Xuelei MA ; Ye WANG ; Weiya WANG ; Liqing PENG ; Xin YOU ; Minggang SU ; Xu CHENG ; Jiao WANG ; Ning GE ; Deying KANG ; Yuchen HUANG ; Jinghan WANG ; Yu TONG ; Yaoxi ZHANG ; Jirong YUE ; Hu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):833-839
With the accelerating trend of population aging, the number of elderly patients with lung cancer continues to rise, and the disease burden is becoming increasingly heavy. The clinical management of these patients faces severe challenges due to their decreased physiological reserve, complex comorbidities, and significant individual heterogeneity. Consequently, under traditional diagnosis and treatment models, doctors often struggle to identify the individualized risks of elderly patients in a timely and comprehensive manner, which can easily lead to decision biases such as undertreatment or overtreatment. In view of this, this study advocates for the establishment of an umbrella decision-making model specifically tailored for elderly lung cancer patients. Grounded in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) platform, this model deeply integrates oncological indicators with the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) system. By holistically considering multidimensional variables including tumor burden, organ function, frailty index, cognitive status, and social support, the model establishes an operational mechanism characterized by "single entry, precise stratification, and targeted selection". Accordingly, patients can be scientifically triaged into distinct intervention tiers, such as active surveillance, minimally invasive surgery, drug therapy, radiotherapy, and best supportive care, thereby achieving real-time alignment between treatment intensity and patient fitness. This article elaborates on the construction logic and key operational procedures of this novel decision-making framework, aiming to guide clinical practice beyond the limitations of a tumor-centric perspective toward a holistic, dynamic, whole-course management strategy. This transition seeks to ensure optimal quality of life and clinical net benefit for elderly patients alongside survival prolongation.
3.Adult traumatic bilateral adrenal hematoma: a case report
Tong YANG ; Zhilu GAN ; Ning ZHANG ; Wenxin CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):101-102
Objective Isolated bilateral adrenal hematoma(BAH)without other intra-abdominal visceral injuries following trauma is extremely rare. We report a case and review the relevant diagnostic and management experience diagnosis and treatment experience. Case Presentation A 57-year-old male patient presented with systemic pain and discomfort four hours after-traffic collision. Computed tomography(CT)revealed bilateral adrenal contusions with hematoma formation. One week of symptomatic management—including bed rest, oxygen therapy, analgesia, antimicrobial treatment, and nutritional support—was administered. Follow-up abdominal CT demonstrated significant resolution of bilateral adrenal hematomas and surrounding fluid collection. The patient was discharged following rehabilitation therapy. Conclusion For such patients, thorough history-taking regarding past medical history is crucial. When adrenal injury is suspected, contrast-enhanced CT provides definitive diagnosis. Concurrent monitoring of adrenal hormone levels is essential. During bed rest, proactive measures to prevent bed-related complications are required, with long-term follow-up after-discharge.
4.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaojinwan-containing Serum in Inhibiting Breast Cancer Cells Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Hongdi TANG ; Xiaobo JIN ; Chen GAO ; Hongkai LI ; Zhiming LI ; Lu YAO ; Fengli SONG ; Ning KANG ; Wenwen WANG ; Ying SUN ; Zhibin WANG ; Tong LI ; Yingli ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):13-22
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and underlying mechanism of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the process of Xiaojinwan (XJW)-containing serum interfering with endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. MethodsXJW-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of XJW (4 g·kg-1) to SD rats. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in vitro. β-Catenin overexpression and knockdown plasmids were constructed and transfected into MDA-MB-231 cells. The optimal XJW-containing serum (4 g·kg-1) according to previous studies was used for β-catenin intervention and overexpression experiments. The groups for intervention/overexpression experiments included intervention/overexpression blank group, β-catenin intervention/overexpression group, intervention/overexpression blank + XJW group, and β-catenin intervention/overexpression + XJW group. Cell morphology was observed under a microscope. Flow cytometry was used to detect and record apoptosis rates. Western blot was performed to measure apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and active-Caspase-3] and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect β-catenin mRNA expression levels in different groups. ResultsIntervention experiment results showed that compared with the intervention blank group, the β-catenin intervention group and the intervention blank + XJW group showed increased apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated protein levels of Bax, active Caspase-3, and E-cadherin (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased protein levels of Bcl-2 and Vimentin (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression was reduced in the β-catenin intervention group (P<0.05, 0.63 ± 0.15) and the intervention blank + XJW group (P<0.05, 0.79 ± 0.33). Compared with the β-catenin intervention group, the β-catenin intervention + XJW group exhibited an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax and active Caspase-3 protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin protein levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression was further reduced in the β-catenin intervention + XJW group (P<0.01, 0.22 ± 0.08). Compared with the intervention blank + XJW group, the β-catenin intervention + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax, active Caspase-3, and E-cadherin protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression was also reduced (P<0.05). Overexpression experiment results showed that compared with the overexpression blank group, the β-catenin overexpression group exhibited a reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.01), while the overexpression blank + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05). In the β-catenin overexpression and β-catenin overexpression + XJW groups, Bax and E-cadherin protein levels decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels increased (P<0.05). In the overexpression blank + XJW group, Bax and E-cadherin levels increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression increased in the β-catenin overexpression group (P<0.01, 7.26 ± 1.03) but decreased in the overexpression blank + XJW group (P<0.05, 0.73 ± 0.14). Compared with the β-catenin overexpression group, the β-catenin overexpression + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax and E-cadherin levels (P<0.05), and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, 4.65 ± 1.02). Compared with the overexpression blank + XJW group, the β-catenin overexpression + XJW group exhibited a reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.01), decreased Bax and E-cadherin levels (P<0.01), and increased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression increased (P<0.01). ConclusionXJW-containing serum inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by suppressing EMT, which is associated with the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
5.Mendelian randomization study of sleep duration and sleep disorders in relation to age at menarche in females
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1021-1025
Objective:
To determine the potential genetic causal relationship between sleep related phenotypes and female pubertal onset using the two sample Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods:
Genetic instrumental variables for sleep and age at menarche were sourced from FinnGen, IEU Open GWAS and GWAS Catalog three publicly available Genome Wide Association Study databases. Causal effects were estimated using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and direction.
Results:
Genetically predicted sleep duration was positively associated with age at menarche ( β =0.61, 95% CI =0.30-0.91, P <0.01). Conversely, overall sleep problems ( β =-0.13, 95% CI =-0.20 to -0.07 ), two specific types of sleep disorders (sleep apnea: β =-0.10, 95% CI =-0.16 to -0.03; insomnia: β =-0.40, 95% CI = -0.69 to -0.11) were causally associated with earlier age at menarche (all P <0.01). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings with consistent effect directions and no evidence of significant directional pleiotropy.
Conclusions
The study reveales a genetic causal relationship between sleep and pubertal onset. Adequate sleep duration appears to have a protective effect. These findings suggest that sleep may have a critical regulatory role in the initiation of pubertal development.
6.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
7.Erk Signaling Pathway in Striatal D2-MSNs: an Essential Pathway for Exercise-induced Improvement in Parkinson’s Disease
Bo GAO ; Yi-Ning LAI ; Yi-Tong GE ; Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):61-71
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), primarily manifesting as motor dysfunctions such as resting tremor, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. According to the classical model of basal ganglia motor control, approximately half of the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum are D1-MSNs, which constitute the direct pathway. These neurons express D1-dopamine receptor (D1R) and substance P, and they mainly participate in the selection, initiation, and execution of movements. The other half are D2-MSNs, which constitute the indirect pathway. These neurons express D2-dopamine receptor (D2R) and adenosine 2A receptors and are involved in inhibiting unnecessary movements or terminating ongoing movements, thereby adjusting movement sequences to perform more precise motor behaviors. The direct pathway in the striatum modulates the activity of motor cortex neurons by exciting D1-MSNs through neurotransmitters such as glutamate (Glu), allowing the motor cortex to send signals more freely to the motor system, thus facilitating the generation and execution of specific motor behaviors. Studies using D1-Cre and D2-Cre mice with neurons labeled for D1R and D2R have shown that both types of neurons are involved in the execution of movements, with D1-MSNs participating in movement initiation and D2-MSNs in inhibiting actions unrelated to the target movement. These findings suggest that the structural and functional plasticity of D1-MSNs and D2-MSNs in the basal ganglia circuitry enables motor learning and behavioral regulation. Additionally, when SNpc DA neurons begin to degenerate, D1-MSNs are initially affected but do not immediately cause motor impairments. In contrast, when D2-MSNs undergo pathological changes, they are first activated by upstream projecting neurons, leading to the inhibition of most motor behaviors and resulting in motor dysfunction. Therefore, it is hypothesized that motor impairments such as bradykinesia and initiation difficulties are more closely related to the functional activity of D2-MSNs. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway has been identified as a critical modulator in the pathophysiology of PD. Recent findings indicate that Erk/MAPK signaling pathway can mediate DA and Glu signaling in the central nervous system, maintaining normal functional activity of striatal MSNs and influencing the transmission of motor control signals. Within this complex regulatory network, the Erk/MAPK signaling pathway plays a key role in transmitting motor information to downstream neurons, regulating normal movements, avoiding unnecessary movements, and finely tuning motor behaviors. Our laboratory’s previous research found that 4 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention improved motor dysfunction in PD mice by inhibiting the Erk1/2 signaling upstream of striatal MSNs, primarily involving the Erk1/2 signaling in D2-MSNs rather than D1-MSNs. This review summarizes the neurobiological mechanisms of Erk/MAPK signaling pathway in D2-MSNs for the prevention and treatment of motor dysfunction in PD. By exploring the role of this signaling pathway in regulating motor abnormalities and preventing motor dysfunction in the central nervous system of PD, this review provides new theoretical perspectives for related mechanistic research and therapeutic strategies.
8.Study on the serum pharmacochemistry of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda Medicinal Liquor based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS
Tong QU ; Ning LI ; Hui REN ; Wenjing LU ; Xiaomin CUI ; Jing HU ; Zhiyong CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):357-363
Objective:To analyze the blood-transition prototype components and metabolites of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor.Methods:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole/electrostatic field orbital trap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS) technique was used to compare the chromatogram differences of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor extract, blank serum and drug-containing serum. According to the retention time, relative molecular weight and the ratio with primary and secondary ion fragments provided by MS, the prototype components and metabolites of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda medicinal liquor extract were analyzed in serum of rats after oral administration. The detection conditions were as follows: the mobile phase of methanol (A)-0.1% formic acid solution (B) for elution gradient (0-5 min, 5%A; 5-60 min, 5%-95%A; 60-65 min, 95%A), the flow rate of 0.3 ml/min, heated electrospray ionization, detection range of m/z 80-1 200, positive and negative ion scanning modes.Results:A total of 31 transitional components were detected in the serum, of which 9 were prototype components and 22 were metabolites. The 9 prototype components were identified as phenylacetaldehyde, baogongteng C/ erycibellin, p-coumaric acid, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, quinic acid, paeonol, 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, salicylic acid, and isourecumenol. The 22 metabolites mainly consist of 11 organic acid components, 3 indole components, 2 organic phenolic components, 2 alkaloid components, 1 nucleoside component, 1 amino acid component, 1 lactone component, and 1 sulfonic component. The metabolic pathways were mainly glucuronidation, sulfation and others, which by phase Ⅱ metabolism.Conclusion:Organic phenols and organic acids are the main components that enter the body of Fengliaoxing Fengshi Dieda Medicinal Liquor, while alkaloid compounds and organic acid components may be potential active ingredients for its pharmacological effects.
9.Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Function of Aging Mice by Regulating Intestinal Flora-metabolite Network
An-Feng WANG ; Tong WU ; Hu ZHANG ; Ji-Ling LIANG ; Ning CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1484-1498
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.
10.Regulatory effect of neutrophils in microglial polarization after permanent ischemic stroke
Min-Hua HUANG ; Xin-Yan YE ; Si-Yu WU ; Shao-Tong LUO ; Zhi-Shan WU ; Yuan CHEN ; Su-Ning PING
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):136-142
Objective To investigate the effects of peripheral blood neutrophil infiltration on the polarization regulation of cerebral resident microglia under a permanent ischemic stroke model.Methods Fifty-eight C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups.One group was sham group,and the other group of mice was subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Mice were euthanized 48 hours,7 days,14 days,and 30 days after surgery for tissue collection.Western blotting was used to detect expression levels of M1 microglia markers CD 16,M2 microglia marker arginase 1(Arg1),inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),and neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase(MPO)in brain tissue.Immunofluorescence histochemical staining was used to assess neutrophil infiltration and M2 microglial distribution around the infarct area in brain sections.In vitro,purified neutrophils were co-cultured with BV2 microglial cells.After lipopolysaccharide stimulation,the phagocytosis of neutrophils by BV2 cells was observed,and the expression levels of CD16 and Arg1 proteins in BV2 cells were detected.Results Western blotting showed that the levels of CD16(P<0.05),IL-1β(P<0.001),and MPO(P<0.05)in brain tissue increased significantly 48 hours and 7 days after surgery,then decreased,with MPO expression returning to normal levels 30 days after surgery.Immunofluorescence showed a significant increase of MPO-positive cells around the infarct area of the mouse cerebral cortex 48 hours after surgery(P<0.001),followed by a decrease(P<0.05).The number of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and MPO double-positive cells gradually increased after surgery,and reached their peak at 14 days(P<0.05).Iba1 and Arg1 double-positive cells also increased significantly 7 days(P<0.05)and 14 days(P<0.01)after surgery.In vitro,co-culture experiments showed that after BV2 phagocytosing neutrophils,CD 16(P<0.05)significantly decreased and Arg1 significantly upregulated(P<0.05).Conclusion In a permanent ischemic stroke model,microglia transition from M1 to M2 type after phagocytosing neutrophils,and the injured brain area changes from pro-inflammatory state to anti-inflammatory state.


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