1.Preparation,characterization,and in vitro antitumor activity of Gambogic acid-loaded intelligent responsive liposome-hydrogel nanopreparation
Yu CHEN ; Shengnan HUANG ; Ziang WANG ; Yunlong ZHAO ; Gaojian WEI ; Sinan WU ; Yanbin GUAN ; Xiali ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):613-619
OBJECTIVE To prepare an intelligent responsive liposome-hydrogel nanopreparation co-loaded with gambogic acid (GA), and characterize its antitumor activity in vitro . METHODS GA-ICG-Lip-gel was prepared by ethanol injection and cold dissolution, incorporating GA and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG). The appearance and microscopic morphology of GA-ICG-Lip-gel were observed, its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were measured, and its photothermal conversion performance, photothermal stability, and infrared imaging properties were investigated, along with the determination of its in vitro release profile. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were used as objects to investigate the effects of GA-ICG-Lip-gel (or with near-infrared light irradiation) on cell viability, migration ability, and the cellular uptake capacity of GA-ICG-Lip-gel. RESULTS GA-ICG-Lip-gel existed in a solution state at room temperature and transformed into a gel state at 37 ℃. Its microstructure was dense with small pores, and its encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were (96.07±0.86) % and (6.28±1.16) %, respectively. After exposure to near-infrared light, the temperature of GA-ICG-Lip-gel rose above 42 ℃, with no significant attenuation observed in the heating curve. The heating efficiency was dependent on both the irradiation time and drug concentration. Compared to media without gelatinase, the cumulative release rate of GA-ICG-Lip-gel increased in media containing gelatinase. In vitro studies showed that GA-ICG-Lip-gel could be efficiently taken up by MCF-7 cells; GA-ICG-Lip-gel significantly inhibited the viability and migration ability of MCF-7 cells ( P <0.05), and this inhibitory effect was further enhanced under near-infrared light irradiation. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully prepares GA-ICG-Lip-gel, which exhibits favorable photothermal conversion properties and temperature/enzyme dual-responsive drug release characteristics, and demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells.
2.Status of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023
ZHU Shu, GUO Hua, LI Hongbo, SHI Zhu, WU Shengnan, HUANG Yiyanwen, SUN Yan, LIU Yiya
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):178-182
:
To analyze the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023, and to explore the related factors, so as to provide evidence for Rural Nutrition Improvement Program optimization.
Methods:
In September 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to select 40 rural compulsory education schools with rural nutrition improvement program in five counties of Guizhou Province. School level questionnaire was employed to collect information of basic characteristics and school meal implementation. A total of 7 826 primary and secondary school students aged 6-16 underwent anthropometry and hemoglobin (Hb) determination; serum ferritin (SF) was additionally measured in a random subsample of 1 795 pupils. Students in Grade 3 and above also completed a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and nutrition knowledge. Group comparisons were conducted by Chi square test or Fisher s exact test, and multivariable Logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency.
Results:
The overall Hb level was (133.21±12.95)g/L, with an anemia prevalence of 7.17%. The overall SF level was (69.58±59.01)μg/L, with an iron deficiency prevalence of 2.73%. Multivariable analysis showed that stunting ( OR =1.88), school menus without nutrient calculation ( OR =1.61) and absence of menu planning software in the current semester ( OR =2.34) independently increased anemia risk, whereas obesity reduced it ( OR =0.54) (all P <0.05). Girls ( OR =4.16) and Grades 7-9 ( OR =5.93) increased iron deficiency risk (both P <0.05). Compared with rarely eating fresh vegetables, students with consuming <3 kinds per day ( OR =0.08) or exactly 3 kinds per day ( OR =0.06) had lower iron deficiency risks (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Anemia and iron deficiency are prevalent among primary and secondary school students in Guizhou. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented for key populations to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition improvement program.
3.Seasonal distribution characteristics, source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City in 2019-2023
Shengnan GAO ; Jinkun LI ; Li CHEN ; Zhengdong XYU ; Hongru ZHU ; Jian WANG ; Zhiyang YAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):65-69
Objective To study the seasonal distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City, and analyze the sources of PAHs pollution, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs in different seasons. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected regularly from January 2019 to December 2023, and 16 types of PAHs were determined by HPLC. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the concentrations of PM2.5 and PAHs in different years and seasons. The source of PAHs was analyzed by characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Health risks were assessed using the BaP equivalent method and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. Results The annual exceedance rates of PM2.5 and BaP in Lianyungang showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023. PM2.5, total PAHs and PAHs monomers (except Ace, Flu and Acy) all showed significant seasonal differences, with the highest concentration in winter (P<0.001). The average proportion of 4-ring PAHs was the highest and the average proportion of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The proportion of 5-6 ring PAHs was relatively high in winter and spring. PM2.5and PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature, relative humidity and precipitation, and were positively correlated with atmospheric pressure. PM2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed, while some PAHs monomers were positively correlated with wind speed. The characteristic ratio and PCA results showed that the main sources of PAHs in Lianyungang City were mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources and biomass combustion sources. The results of ILCR showed that the highest risk was found in adults, with males slightly higher than females. In Lianyungang, the maximum value of ILCR in winter was more than 10-6 in people over 9 years old. Conclusion The main sources of PAHs in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City are mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources, and biomass combustion sources. Under the current exposure level of PAHs in PM2.5, residents have a certain potential carcinogenic risk.
4.Neuroprotective Effect of Tiaogeng Decoction on Perimenopausal Depression Model Rats via ERβ/MAOA/JNK Signaling Pathway
Lijun ZHU ; Keqian LI ; Shengnan LI ; Lianwei XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):117-129
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective effects of Tiaoseng decoction on a perimenopausal depression (PMD) rat model and to examine its regulatory influence on the estrogen receptor β (ERβ)/monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, thereby elucidating its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsForty-eight female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a sham group, a model group, a 17β-estradiol (E2) group (2.5 × 10-5 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups (9.69, 19.37, 38.74 g·kg-1) by using a random number table method, with eight rats in each group. The PMD model was replicated using ovariectomy (OVX) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and was treated continuously with 17β-E2 and different doses of Tiaoseng decoction for 28 d, once a day. Depressive-like behaviors were assessed using the sucrose preference test, open-field test, and forced swim test. Histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum levels of E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the prefrontal cortex. Mitochondrial ultrastructure of prefrontal cortex neurons was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to analyze the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density protein95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the prefrontal cortex. Immunofluorescence (IF) was conducted to evaluate the average fluorescence intensity of ERβ and MAOA in the prefrontal cortex. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of key molecules in the ERβ/MAOA/JNK signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group had significantly reduced sugar-water preference index, total distance traveled, average speed, and activity time in the central region in the open field experiment, E2 content, and SOD content (P<0.01) and significantly reduced BDNF, PSD95, SYP, and ERβ expression and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ratio (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group exhibited severe histopathological damage, disrupted mitochondrial structure, cristae disappearance or fracture, swelling, and deformation in the prefrontal lobe. The immobilization time of forced swimming, TUNEL positivity, LH, FSH, MDA, ROS, MAOA, Caspase-3, p-JNK/JNK, and p-c-Jun/c-Jun were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups and the 17β-E2 group had increased sugar-water preference index, total distance traveled, average speed, and activity time in the central region in the open-field test, E2 content, and SOD content (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated BDNF, PSD95, SYP, and ERβ expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, histopathological damage to the prefrontal lobe was improved to different degrees, and mitochondrial structure was gradually repaired. The immobilization time of forced swimming, TUNEL positivity, LH, FSH, MDA, ROS, MAOA, Caspase-3, p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun were significantly reduced in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Tiaoseng decoction groups and the 17β-E2 group compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTiaoseng decoction has significant neuroprotective effects on PMD model rats, which can alleviate perimenopausal depressive disorder by inhibiting oxidative stress, attenuating neuronal apoptosis, and restore synaptic plasticity via ERβ/MAOA/JNK signaling pathway regulation.
5.Macrophage ATF6 accelerates corticotomy-assisted orthodontic tooth movement through promoting Tnfα transcription.
Zhichun JIN ; Hao XU ; Weiye ZHAO ; Kejia ZHANG ; Shengnan WU ; Chuanjun SHU ; Linlin ZHU ; Yan WANG ; Lin WANG ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Bin YAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):28-28
Corticotomy is a clinical procedure to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement characterized by the regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP). Despite its therapeutic effects, the surgical risk and unclear mechanism hamper the clinical application. Numerous evidences support macrophages as the key immune cells during bone remodeling. Our study discovered that the monocyte-derived macrophages primarily exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype that dominated bone remodeling in corticotomy by CX3CR1CreERT2; R26GFP lineage tracing system. Fluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot determined the significantly enhanced expression of binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) and emphasized the activation of sensor activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) in macrophages. Then, we verified that macrophage specific ATF6 deletion (ATF6f/f; CX3CR1CreERT2 mice) decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages and therefore blocked the acceleration effect of corticotomy. In contrast, macrophage ATF6 overexpression exaggerated the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement. In vitro experiments also proved that higher proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages was positively correlated with higher expression of ATF6. At the mechanism level, RNA-seq and CUT&Tag analysis demonstrated that ATF6 modulated the macrophage-orchestrated inflammation through interacting with Tnfα promotor and augmenting its transcription. Additionally, molecular docking simulation and dual-luciferase reporter system indicated the possible binding sites outside of the traditional endoplasmic reticulum-stress response element (ERSE). Taken together, ATF6 may aggravate orthodontic bone remodeling by promoting Tnfα transcription in macrophages, suggesting that ATF6 may represent a promising therapeutic target for non-invasive accelerated orthodontics.
Animals
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Mice
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Macrophages/metabolism*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Tooth Movement Techniques/methods*
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Activating Transcription Factor 6/metabolism*
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Bone Remodeling
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Flow Cytometry
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Blotting, Western
6.Effects of curcumin on biological characteristics and expressions of NF-κB pathway-related proteins in glucocorticoid-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat
Shengnan ZHOU ; Shishan XIAO ; Qian DING ; Yaqin JIANG ; Hongqian ZHU
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(5):270-276
Objective:To explore the effects of curcumin on the biological characteristics and expressions of NF-κB pathway-related proteins in glucocorticoid-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line Jurkat.Methods:The drug-resistant ALL cell line Jurkat was selected, and 1 μmol/L dexamethasone was used as the optimal concentration for drug resistance of Jurkat cells, and the cells were passaged and cultured. The cells were divided into 10, 25 and 50 μmol/L curcumin groups, as well as 50 μmol/L pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and control group (equal volume of culture medium without drug was added). The cells in each group were cultured for 72 h, and the cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. The CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation ability of Jurkat cells, flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis ability and cell cycle of Jurkat cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expressions of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, IκBα, and A20 mRNA, and Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, IκBα, caspase-8, caspase-3, bcl-2, and A20 proteins.Results:Jurkat cells were treated with 10, 25, 50 μmol/L curcumin and 50 μmol/L PDTC for 72 h. In the control group, the cell membranes were basically intact, the size was uniform, the cell was round and transparent, and the cell nucleus had uniform fluorescence; a large number of deformed cells and cell fragments were observed in curcumin groups with different concentrations and 50 μmol/L PDTC group, with concentrated and fragmented nuclei and obvious apoptosis. After treating Jurkat cells with different concentrations of curcumin and 50 μmol/L PDTC for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, the cell proliferation inhibition rates in curcumin groups with different concentrations and PDTC group were higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). The apoptosis rates at 72 h in the control group, 10 μmol/L curcumin group, 25 μmol/L curcumin group, 50 μmol/L curcumin group, and 50 μmol/L PDTC group were (4.9±0.1)%, (99.2±0.1)%, (99.9±0)%, (100.0±0)%, and (100.0±0)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 2 876 604.40, P < 0.001); compared with the control group, the apoptosis rates in curcumin groups with different concentrations and 50 μmol/L PDTC group were higher, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the proportions of S-phase and G 2-phase cells were lower and the proportion of G 1-phase cells was higher in curcumin groups with different concentrations and 50 μmol/L PDTC group at 72 h, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p50 in curcumin groups with different concentrations and 50 μmol/L PDTC group were lower (all P < 0.01), while the protein expressions of IκBα, caspase-8 and caspase-3 were higher (all P < 0.01), the protein expression of bcl-2 was lower ( P < 0.01), and the protein and mRNA expressions of A20 were higher (both P < 0.01). Conclusions:Curcumin can effectively reverse glucocorticoid resistance and promote apoptosis in Jurkat cells, which may be related to the influence of curcumin on NF-κB pathway-related proteins.
7.Pathogenesis of Perimenopausal Depression and Prevention and Treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Lijun ZHU ; Lianwei XU ; Kething LI ; Shengnan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):252-261
PPerimenopausal depression (PMD) is a mental disorder that occurs in women before and after menopause. It has become a major public health problem posing a threat to the health of perimenopausal women due to its high incidence, low prevalence, low diagnostic rate, and recurrent episodes. The pathogenesis of PMD is complex and mainly involves the aging of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which leads to abnormal fluctuations in reproductive hormones, inflammation and cascade reactions, and oxidative stress. Currently, there are no specific pharmacological interventions for PMD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a treasure of motherland medicine, integrates thousands of years of TCM experience and wisdom and has the advantages of holistic regulation, low toxicity, and mild adverse reactions in the prevention and treatment of PMD. In recent years, more and more studies have been conducted on the active ingredients, extracts, and compound formulas of TCM for treating PMD via multi-components and multi-directions, achieving fruitful results. A large number of studies have shown that TCM treats PMD by reducing inflammation, inhibiting oxidation, and modulating monoamine neurotransmitter levels, which mainly involve NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) and other signaling pathways. This article reviews the clinical and basic studies about TCM treatment of PMD to analyzes the pathogenesis of PMD and the therapeutic targets of TCM, aiming to provide basic theoretical support and new approaches for the TCM treatment of PMD.
8.Mechanism of Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Epigenetic Regulation: A Review
Xianyu XU ; Yongping ZHU ; Yanqing LIU ; Liwei GU ; Junzhe ZHANG ; Shengnan SHEN ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):281-291
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world. In recent years, the clinical early diagnosis and treatment protocols of HCC have been improved, whereas the prognosis of patients is still not satisfactory, which is due to the fact that the mechanism of HCC development has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the molecular mechanisms and key regulatory links of hepatocellular carcinoma development to further improve the diagnosis and treatment of HCC in China. Epigenetics has become a research hotspot because of its reversibility and easy regulation. According to relevant studies, HCC involves the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic changes during the initiation, promotion, and progression stages. HCC is categorized as infantile malnutrition with accumulation, hypochondriac pain, tympan ites, and abdominal mass in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the treatment of HCC, TCM with low toxicity, multi-targets, and multi-mechanisms can inhibit tumor growth, alleviate the clinical symptoms, and enhance the quality of life of the patients. Chinese medicines and their active ingredients exert anti-HCC effects through epigenetic regulation of DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. Abnormal gene expression due to epigenetic regulation disorders is involved in all stages of HCC development. There are few studies on epigenetic regulation in TCM treatment of HCC, and there is still much room for development in basic and clinical trials. This paper reviews the mechanism of epigenetic regulation in HCC and summarizes the experimental results of TCM research on the related mechanism, with a view to providing a theoretical basis for future research on the mechanism of HCC development and clinical diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with TCM.
9.A qualitative study of the factors of pulmonary rehabilitation behavior of elderly patients with lung cancer in the post-operative transitional period
Hongxuan ZHU ; Jianmei PANG ; Shengnan SUN ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(1):15-21
Objective To understand the factors that affect the pulmonary rehabilitation behavior of elderly patients with lung cancer during the post-operative transitional period,and provide reference bases for formulating the pulmonary rehabilitation plan of elderly patients with lung cancer during the transitional period and improving the compliance of pulmonary rehabilitation.Methods Based on the capability,opportunity,and motivation-behavior model(COM-B model),12 elderly lung cancer patients who underwent surgery at a tertiary A tumor hospital in Tianjin from March to July 2022 were selected for semi-structured interviews using descriptive research methods and purposive sampling method.The data were analyzed using directed content analysis.Results The ability factors(physical strength and postoperative discomfort symptoms of the elderly limit lung rehabilitation exercise,lack of pulmonary rehabilitation knowledge and awareness of the importance of exercise in lung rehabilitation knowledge),opportunity factors(lack of grassroots medical and health services,limiting lung rehabilitation exercise;family and friends are important resources for promoting lung rehabilitation exercise;medical support is a guarantee for promoting lung rehabilitation exercise),motivational factors(high self-efficacy in exercise is the foundation for lung rehabilitation exercise,perception of lung rehabilitation effects increases motivation for lung rehabilitation exercise)and 7 sub themes were extracted.Conclusion There are certain obstacles and promoting factors in the transitional lung rehabilitation process for elderly lung cancer patients after surgery.It is necessary to improve their postoperative discomfort symptoms,increase their knowledge of lung rehabilitation,enhance their awareness of lung rehabilitation,face the social support role of family,friends,and medical staff,improve the infrastructure and lung rehabilitation system,increase community lung rehabilitation support,provide multi-channel high-quality lung rehabilitation resources,and promote the development of smart medical services,constructing a transitional lung rehabilitation strategy for elderly patients with lung cancer.
10.Development and reliability and validity test of the Psychological Birth Trauma Assessment Scale
Xiaoqing SUN ; Aixia ZHANG ; Zhu ZHU ; Xuemei FAN ; Shijuan MEI ; Xinxin HUANG ; Shengnan CONG ; Hongyan XIE
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(9):1099-1105
Objective To develop a Psychological Birth Trauma Assessment Scale and to test its reliability and validity.Methods Through literature review,semi-structured interview,expert conference,Delphi expert enquiry and preliminary investigation,a pre-test scale was formed.From March to May 2023,postpartum women from 38 hospitals of different levels in 15 provinces(Jiangsu,Anhui,Zhejiang,Fujian,Tibet,and Shanghai,etc.)were conveniently selected for investigation.The sample size of the first-round survey was 547,which was used for reliability and validity test.The sample size of the second-round survey was 550,which was used for confirmatory factor analysis.Results The psychological birth trauma assessment scale consisted of 2 parts,with a total of 29 items in 6 dimensions.The intrapartum feeling part included 4 dimensions,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 63.992%,and the postpartum effect part included 2 dimensions,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 68.208%.The content validity index of the scale was 0.947,and the content validity index of each item was 0.809~1.000.The total score of the scale and the scores of each dimension were significantly negatively correlated with the total score of the calibration scale(r=-0.784~-0.533,P<0.001).The total Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.941,and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.883.Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the main evaluation indicators were all within the acceptable range.Conclusion The Psychological Birth Trauma Assessment Scale has good reliability and validity,and it can be used as an assessment tool for the degree of maternal psychological birth trauma.


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