1.Assessment of health exposure risks from preservatives in beverages sold near primary schools in Anshun
XU Lin, QU Guangsheng, DAI Qian, LU Shunhua, CAI Guixiang, ZHANG Jialin, WEI Gang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):129-133
Objective:
To quantitatively assess the health risk of preservatives from beverages around primary schools in Anshun City, and to provide scientific basis for precise food safety supervision.
Methods:
From December 2023 to July 2024, 602 beverage samples were randomly collected from within 100 meters of 19 primary schools in Anshun City. The content of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and dehydroacetic acid was detected according to GB 5009 series standards. Combined with children s physiological parameters (body weight 30 kg, daily intake 0.15 L), the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) models were used to evaluate health risks.
Results:
The total detection rate of preservatives from beverages around primary schools was 63.0%, and the total over limit rate was 9.0%. The detection rate of preservatives in flavored beverages was the highest (72.6%), and the highest over limit rate of preservatives in special purpose beverages was the highest (17.2%). The single preservative HQ (benzoic acid up to 0.47 ) and mixed HI (up to 0.55) of all samples were below 1(safety threshold). However, the HQ value of benzoic acid in flavored beverages (0.47) was 2.9 times that of sorbic acid (0.16), contributing significantly to health risk. Sensitivity analysis showed that if the daily consumption increased to 0.3 L, the HI value of flavored beverages would rise to 1.11, exceeding the safety threshold. Enterprise scale analysis showed that the exceedance rate of special purpose beverages in large enterprises reached 30.0%, while micro enterprises, accounting for a dominant market share (52.2%), constituted the main source of children s daily exposure to their products.
Conclusions
The overall health risk of perservatives in beverages sold near primary schools in Anshun City is controllable, but there is a noticeable risk of gradient. The risk of children’s exposure to preservatives through beverage consumption should not be ignored.
2.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
3.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
4.Correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters detected by whole-body EOS imaging
Feng ZHOU ; Pengfei FU ; Yufan QIAN ; Pingcheng XU ; Jiongjiong GUO ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):596-603
BACKGROUND:With changing lifestyles and aging,sagittal spinal imbalance has become a common orthopedic issue significantly affecting knee and pelvic function.Understanding the impact of sagittal spinal imbalance and its compensatory mechanisms is crucial for improving the clinical management of chronic pain.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the alignment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremities using whole-body EOS imaging,analyze the correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters,and explore their compensatory mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain or patellofemoral pain who visited Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023 were included.Radiographic measurements were performed using whole-body EOS to determine pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar lordosis,sagittal vertical axis,global tilt,hip-knee-angle,knee flexion angle,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle.Patients were classified into normal group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<10°),compensated group(10°<pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<20°),and decompensated group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis>20°)based on the SRS-Schwab spinal deformity classification according to pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis difference.The differences in radiographic parameters among the groups were analyzed.The differences in American Knee Society Knee Score and Oswestry Disability Index scores were compared among each group.Patients were divided into chronic low back pain group and non-chronic low back pain group,patellofemoral pain group and non-patellofemoral pain group based on clinical symptoms,and the relationship between radiographic parameter differences and clinical symptoms was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was less than 20°,lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle tended to stabilize.When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was greater than 20°,it showed a linear correlation with lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle,with lateral distal femoral angle increasing and medial proximal tibial angle decreasing with increasing pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values.(2)Compared with the normal group,the compensated group had significantly increased pelvic tilt(P<0.01),while knee joint parameters hip-knee-angle and knee flexion angle showed no significant differences;the decompensated group showed significant increases in pelvic tilt(P<0.01),and decreases in hip-knee-angle,and knee flexion angle(P<0.01).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in hip-knee-angle(P<0.05),but had no significant differences in pelvic tilt and knee flexion angle.(3)Compared with the non-patellofemoral pain group,patients with patellofemoral pain had significant decreases in spinal lumbar lordosis,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle(P<0.05)and a significant increase in pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis(P<0.05).(4)Patients with low back pain had significant differences in radiographic parameters compared with the non-chronic low back pain group(P<0.05).(5)Compared with the normal group,both the compensated and decompensated groups showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).(6)Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values increased with age and were higher in females compared with males.(7)This study systematically reveals the spine and lower limbs play an important role in disease progression and clinical symptoms.Associated symptoms low back pain and patellofemoral pain are related to the stability of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment.Furthermore,spinal sagittal imbalance is more severe in elderly and female patients.
5.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
6.Research progress on epigenetic regulation in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy
Jiaxin XU ; Qian PENG ; Chaoqun LIU ; Yan WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):435-440
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes, posing a significant threat to patients' visual health. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms have garnered increasing attention in the scientific community for their pivotal role in the onset and progression of DR. This paper systematically examines the regulatory roles of epigenetic mechanisms in DR, covering key pathways such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Under hyperglycemic conditions in diabetes, these epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression, thereby influencing critical pathological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic memory. This article reviews recent advances in epigenetic regulation in DR, providing an in-depth analysis of its underlying molecular mechanisms and complex regulatory networks, and explores the potential of epigenetic markers as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, this article highlights emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic modifications, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and research direction for the early diagnosis and precision treatment of this disease.
7.Research on Spatiotemporal Gene Expression Profiles and Repair Mechanisms of Spinal Cord Compression and Hemisection Spinal Cord Injury Mouse Models
Bo XU ; Tairen CHEN ; Qian FANG ; Ji WU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):32-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the gene expression sequence and molecular mechanisms in the local microenvironment during the subacute to chronic phases (1-28 days) in mouse models of spinal cord compression injury and hemisection spinal cord injury, thereby revealing the molecular characteristics of spinal cord repair and providing a theoretical basis for selecting therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury. MethodsThirty-six 8-9-week-old SPF-grade ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 per group): sham-operated control (CTR) group, hemisection spinal cord injury (HSCI) group, and spinal cord compression injury (SCC) group. Mice in the CTR group underwent the same surgical preparation and anesthesia, followed by a dorsal midline incision at the T9-T10 segment. After layer-by-layer dissection and removal of the corresponding lamina, the spinal cord dura mater was fully exposed and kept intact. The cord was exposed to air for 10 minutes (matching the duration of the compression injury group), during which any instrument contact with the cord was avoided. The incision was then irrigated and sutured. The HSCI group underwent a 70% transection of the T9 spinal cord segment using micro-instruments to establish a hemisection spinal cord injury model. The SCC group underwent sustained compression of the T10 spinal cord segment for 10 minutes using a self-made compressor (a 30 g solid small iron bar) to establish a spinal cord compression injury model. Motor function recovery was assessed using the modified Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. On days 7 and 14 post-operation, mice were anesthetized, and the injured spinal cord segments were harvested. The evolution of specific molecular networks in the spinal cord injury mouse models was analyzed via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and enrichment analysis, and the expression of key genes was verified using real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR. ResultsBBB scores indicated that motor function recovery in the SCC group was significantly better than that in the HSCI group, with BBB scores showing a continuously increasing trend and remaining higher than those in the HSCI group over the 4-week period (P <0.001). Gene ontology (GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses based on RNA-Seq differentially expressed genes revealed that, compared to the CTR group, genes related to the extracellular matrix were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), while genes related to axon guidance were significantly down-regulated (P <0.05) in the SCC group on day 7 post-operation. On day 21, genes involved in immune regulation and the retinol signaling pathway were significantly activated in the SCC group (P<0.05). In contrast, in the HSCI group, genes associated with inflammation and immune response were significantly up-regulated (P<0.001), while genes related to neuronal differentiation and synapse formation were significantly down-regulated (P <0.001) on day 7. On day 21, genes related to cell-matrix junctions and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors were significantly up-regulated (P<0.001) in the HSCI group. Furthermore, compared to the SCC group, the HSCI group exhibited different pathway enrichment characteristics in GO and KEGG analyses on days 7 and 21 post-injury. On day 7, genes involved in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and the complement and coagulation cascades were significantly up-regulated in the HSCI group (P<0.001). On day 21, genes related to the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways were significantly activated (P<0.001). Finally, real time fluorogenic quantitative PCR validation results were highly consistent with the RNA-Seq results, further confirming the differential expression trends of key genes between the SCC and HSCI groups. ConclusionThe SCC and HSCI injury models may drive distinct repair pathways: the preservation of some axons in the SCC model predisposes it toward tissue repair, whereas the HSCI model requires the coordination of more complex molecular networks to achieve a new equilibrium. This finding further deepens the understanding of the heterogeneous regulatory mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury.
8.Association of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes with blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular prognosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: a prospective cohort study
Huangyu XU ; Qian LI ; Haozhe XIONG ; Weidong HONG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Xinrong FAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):91-102
Objective:
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data.
Results:
A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914].
Conclusion
The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.
9.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
10.Temporal trends in the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption among primary and secondary school students in rural central and western China, 2015-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):332-336
Objective:
To analyze the trends of the frequency of meat, egg, and milk consumption among rural primary and junior high school students in central and western China covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide basis for formulating more targeted nutrition intervention policies and health education strategies.
Methods:
Using data from six rounds of monitoring and evaluation (2015-2021 and 2023), the study included 323 870 students from grade 3 to 9 across 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in central and western China. The consumption frequencies of meat, egg, and milk over the past week were collected via questionnaires. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze temporal trends, and multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption and to test for interaction effects between the year and gender, region, and grade level.
Results:
From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of students consuming meat, egg, and milk ≥1 time/day increased from 23.20 %, 10.71%, and 0.74% to 35.53%, 22.09%, and 26.63%, respectively. Trend tests indicated a significant upward trend for the daily intake of all three food categories for meat, egg and milk over the years ( Z =67.18, 64.90, 93.14, all P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily meat intake was lower in the central region than in the western region ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.76-0.78), whereas the daily intake of eggs ( OR=1.19, 95%CI =1.17-1.22) and milk ( OR= 1.27 , 95%CI =1.24-1.29) was higher in the central region (all P <0.05). Compared with grade 3-4 students, junior high school students had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk≥1 time/day ( OR =0.95, 0.77, 0.77, all P <0.05), with a declining trend as grade increased. Girls also had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk ≥1 time/day than boys ( OR =0.95,0.93,0.91, all P < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between year and region, as well as between year and grade (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2023, the NIPRCES improved the intake level of among rural students, but the situation of relatively insufficient intake of egg and milk among females, junior high school students and those in the western region still exists.


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