1.Research progress on correlation between circadian rhythm disturbance and work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Lichong LAI ; Pinyue TAO ; Dejing FAN ; Shuyu LU ; Jie PENG ; Huiqiao HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):319-324
Circadian rhythm refers to the 24-hour periodic changes in behavior, physiology, and molecular processes in the human body. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm not only affect mental health but are also associated with various metabolic disorders, including the regulation of bone and muscle metabolism. Research has shown that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are influenced not only by workload but also by circadian rhythm factors, such as shift work. This review examined the relationships between circadian rhythm-related antecedents, outcomes, and WMSDs, exploring their shared metabolic markers and mechanisms. It provided a systematic overview of the intrinsic connection between circadian rhythm disruptions and WMSDs. While current studies highlight the impact of circadian rhythm disturbances on musculoskeletal disorders, further investigation is required to address the confounding factors involved. Future research should integrate chronobiology with both subjective and objective data to explore the pathway from environmental factors to intermediate phenotypes to diseases, ultimately providing a more comprehensive understanding of the network mechanisms underlying WMSDs.
2.Geographical Inference Study of Dust Samples From Four Cities in China Based on ITS2 Sequencing
Wen-Jun ZHANG ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Jia-Jin PENG ; Kai FENG ; Ye DENG ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Le WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):970-981
ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.
3.Development of a balloon sensor device for force-electrical coupling measurement of esophagus.
Peng RAN ; Ying ZHONG ; Yingbing LAI ; Lei LIU ; Yanhang ZHU ; Huantao ZHU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(3):610-619
To address the challenges of capturing micro-strains in detecting esophageal motility disorders and the limitations of existing high-resolution manometry and functional intraluminal imaging probes in directly measuring esophageal tissue electrical impedance, this study proposes a novel flexible balloon sensor structure that integrates a piezoelectric film assembly with a distributed impedance electrode array. Using the electrical analysis module in the finite element analysis (FEA) software, simulations of the forward problem for esophageal impedance detection were conducted to optimize the excitation source parameters, and a physical prototype was fabricated. Under a relative excitation mode with a voltage sensitivity of 2.059%, the voltage output characteristics of the impedance electrode array were analyzed during linear changes in the balloon filling volume. Based on the performance variation of the piezoelectric film assembly, 80% was selected as the optimal filling volume. Force-electric coupling tests were conducted on the balloon sensor using a pressure testing platform, revealing that both the piezoelectric film assembly inside the balloon and the impedance electrodes outside the balloon exhibited significant load differentiation characteristics as the force application point shifted. In summary, this balloon sensor facilitates the localization of force application while simultaneously analyzing esophageal tissue properties, offering a novel diagnostic approach and objective tool for esophageal disease detection.
Esophagus/physiology*
;
Electric Impedance
;
Humans
;
Finite Element Analysis
;
Manometry/methods*
;
Electrodes
;
Esophageal Motility Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Equipment Design
4.Association of higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels with successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in nonobstructive azoospermic men with reduced testicular volumes.
Ming-Zhe SONG ; Li-Jun YE ; Wei-Qiang XIAO ; Wen-Si HUANG ; Wu-Biao WEN ; Shun DAI ; Li-Yun LAI ; Yue-Qin PENG ; Tong-Hua WU ; Qing SUN ; Yong ZENG ; Jing CAI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(3):440-446
To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans
;
Male
;
Azoospermia/surgery*
;
Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data*
;
Adult
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Testis/pathology*
;
Microdissection
;
Organ Size
5.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.
6.Comparative study on phase and diaphragmatic navigation with three-dimensional MR cholangiopancreatography thin-layer scanning in elderly patients
Cheng LI ; Linjiang ZHOU ; Xiaorong CHEN ; Lai PENG ; Shaohua QIN ; Yingyue ZHU ; Zhongxing SUN ; Zishuai WANG ; Weiwei ZHU ; Siguang ZHU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(1):119-122
Objective To explore the comparative application of phase and diaphragmatic navigation in three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(3D-MRCP)thin-layer scanning in elderly patients.Methods A total of 180 elderly patients were scanned by phase and diaphragmatic navigation via Siemens Aera1.5T superconducting MR scanner.The acquired images were reconstructed by 3D reconstruction.The anatomical structure,image quality and disease diagnosis were compared between the phase and diaphragmatic navigation groups.Results In liver of anatomy,the liver of primary bile duct,the superior,middle and inferior extrahepatic bile duct and the gallbladder could be well displayed,and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups(P>0.05).The display of pancreatic duct and the liver of secondary bile duct of diaphragmatic navigation was significantly better than those of phase navigation(P<0.05).In terms of image quality,the excellent rate of diaphragmatic navigation was significantly higher than that of phase navigation,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rate of pancreatobiliary system diseases,the diagnostic rate of cholelithiasis,common bile duct stones,common bile duct dilatation and pancreatic duct dilatation between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Diaphragmatic navigation is signifi-cantly better than phase navigation in the display of the anatomical structure of the pancreatic duct,the liver of secondary bile duct,and the excellent rate of image quality.Diaphragmatic navigation is more suitable for thin-layer 3D-MRCP scanning in elderly patients.
7.Application of MRI-based image navigation and target selection in transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment
Li WANG ; Peng CHEN ; Xiuying WEI ; Yangjia LU ; Sijia LAI ; Kaihua WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(26):4234-4241
BACKGROUND:In clinical application,the therapeutic effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation depends on the ability to accurately target the areas of the brain that need to be stimulated.In recent years,with the development of neuronavigation systems,mobile augmented reality technology,and the new methods of processing magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)data,the accuracy of stimulus target localization and the optimization of target selection are expected to improve further. OBJECTIVE:To review the principle of MRI-based image navigation and its application in transcranial magnetic stimulation and summarize the roles of different modal MRI data analyses in guiding the selection of target areas for transcranial magnetic stimulation. METHODS:An online computer search for relevant literature was performed in PubMed,CNKI database and WanFang database,with the keywords"transcranial magnetic stimulation,coil positioning,neuronavigation,augmented reality,magnetic resonance,theory."Finally,63 documents were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Among the traditional methods of positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation coils,the"5 cm rule"and the international electroencephalogram 10-20 positioning method are the most commonly used.These methods have the advantages of simplicity and economy,but they rely too much on the operator's experience and there were technical differences between operators.The neuronavigation system,which is based on stereotactic technology,is the guiding method for positioning transcranial magnetic stimulation coils with the highest visual degree and accuracy.It achieves visual positioning through MRI data acquisition,3D brain reconstruction,head model registration and stereogeometric positioning.It has high application value in clinical treatment and scientific research,but it cannot be promoted in medical institutions due to its high cost.For various medical institutions,mobile augmented reality is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the neuronavigation system,which achieves visual positioning of brain tissue under the scalp through MRI data acquisition,2D/3D image construction,virtual image and real brain image superposition.It has the advantages of directly visualization and low cost,and is expected to be popularized and applied in primary medical units.Although the superiority of clinical efficacy of visual coil positioning over the electroencephalogram 10-20 localization strategy has not yet been fully demonstrated,with the progress of brain MRI data analysis,visual positioning is expected to further optimize the target selection strategy of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy and to improve the response rate and individuation degree of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.This is a promising and challenging research direction in the future.
8.Chemical constituents from stems and leaves of Lonicera confusa and their anti-inflammatory activities
Xiao-Hua JIANG ; Yu-Lu WEI ; Jun BAI ; Xiao-Jie YAN ; Dian-Peng LI ; Feng-Lai LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(2):484-489
AIM To study the chemical constituents and their anti-inflammatory activities of stems and leaves of Lonicera confusa DC.METHODS The 80%methanol extract from stems and leaves of L.confusa DC was isolated and purified by Diaion HP20SS,Sephadex LH-20,HSCCC and preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by measuring NO production of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro.RESULTS Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as benzyl alcohol-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 →6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),sweroside(2),epi-vogeloside(3),vogeloside(4),secologanoside(5),secoxyloganin(6),secologanin dimethyl acetal(7),methyl chlorogenate(8),apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(9),luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(10),rhoifolin(11),luteolin-7-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(12),and lonicerin(13).Compounds 2-8,11-13 inhibited the NO production of LPS-induced cells.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is first isolated from family Lonicera,compounds 3,5,7,9,11,and 12 are obtained from the stems and leaves of this plant for the first time.Compounds 2-8,11-13 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities.
9.Influencing factors for colonoscopic compliance to colorectal cancer screening in outpatients
Xuejiao TAN ; Xin PENG ; Jian QIN ; Jiaxue LI ; Lina YE ; Ronghui PU ; Li LAI ; Jiajing MA ; Weigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(2):131-136
Objective:To explore the influencing factors for compliance to colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer in outpatients.Methods:Patients aged 40-74 years who visited the outpatient gastroenterology department of 7 tertiary hospitals in 7 regions of Xinjiang from January 2022 to June 2022 were enrolled. Recommendations for colonoscopy screening were made according to the patient's medical conditions, and the questionnaire was used to collect information. The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences of compliant and non-compliant patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of compliance to colonoscopy screening.Results:A total of 463 valid questionnaires were obtained from 7 centers, in which, 427 outpatients (92.2%) followed the recommendation for colonoscopy screening, and 36 (7.8%) did not. Chi-square test results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, education, subjective cognition of intestinal polyps, personal history of colorectal polyps, family history of colorectal cancer, family history of colorectal polyps, abdominal pain or distension, and defecation habit or stool changes ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that the screening compliance of patients aged 40-49 years ( P=0.005, OR=0.141, 95% CI: 0.036-0.549) and 50-59 years ( P=0.039, OR=0.257, 95% CI: 0.071-0.932) was lower than that of patients aged 60-74 years. The screening compliance of patients with high school education ( P=0.011, OR=3.121, 95% CI: 1.304-7.473) and college education or above ( P=0.016, OR=3.544, 95% CI: 1.270-9.890) was higher than those with primary school education and below. Patients with personal history of colorectal polyps ( P=0.015, OR=12.288, 95% CI: 1.629-92.719), family history of colorectal cancer ( P=0.038, OR=8.506, 95% CI: 1.124-64.351) and changes in defecation habit or stool trait ( P=0.039, OR=4.794, 95% CI: 1.085-21.192) also had higher compliance. Conclusion:Age, educational level, personal history of colorectal polyps, and family history of colorectal cancer are related to colonoscopy screening compliance in outpatients of 7 tertiary hospitals in 7 regions of Xinjiang. The independent risk factors affecting compliance to colorectal cancer screening in outpatients are age of 40-59 years, lower educational level, no previous history of polyps or family history of colorectal cancer, and no defecation habit or stool changes.
10.Long-term hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics after nucleos(t)ide analog discontinuation in patients with noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B
Wu LINA ; Lai JIADI ; Luo QIUMIN ; Zhang YEQIONG ; Lin CHAOSHUANG ; Xie DONGYING ; Chen YOUMING ; Deng HONG ; Gao ZHILIANG ; Peng LIANG ; Xu WENXIONG
Liver Research 2024;8(3):179-187
Background and aim:Few studies have reported hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)kinetics after nucleos(t)ide analog(NA)discontinuation in patients with noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B(CHB).The study specifically investigated long-term HBsAg kinetics after NA discontinuation. Methods:Between January 2014 to January 2024,this study prospectively enrolled 106 outpatients with noncirrhotic CHB who met the discontinuation criteria after NA consolidation treatment.Demographic,clinical,and laboratory data were collected and analyzed after NA discontinuation. Results:Ninety-six patients who finished 5 years of follow-up were included.HBsAg remained unde-tectable in 29 patients with end of treatment(EOT)HBsAg negativity.Among 67 patients with EOT HBsAg positivity,HBsAg seroclearance occurred in 12(17.9%)patients with an estimated annual inci-dence of HBsAg seroclearance of 3.6%.Patients with EOT HBsAg levels of ≤1000 IU/mL had a higher HBsAg seroclearance rate than those with EOT HBsAg levels of>1000 IU/mL(33.3%vs.5.4%).The pro-portion of patients with HBsAg ≤1000 IU/mL increased during follow-up.Logistic regression analysis indicated that the EOT HBsAg level was an independent factor for HBsAg seroclearance and an HBsAg level decline exceeding 1 log10 IU/mL.The optimal EOT HBsAg cutoff for both HBsAg seroclearance and an HBsAg level decline exceeding 1 log10 IU/mL was 359 IU/mL. Conclusions:Patients with EOT HBsAg negativity experienced no relapse and maintained HBsAg sero-clearance during 5 years of follow-up after NA discontinuation.A higher HBsAg seroclearance rate can be obtained in patients with EOT HBsAg levels of ≤1000 IU/mL during 5 years of follow-up after NA discontinuation.Close monitoring and proper NA retreatment are recommended to guarantee the safety of NA discontinuation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail