1.Study on meal preferences of school aged children based on discrete choice experiment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):45-49
Objective:
To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children.
Methods:
From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices.
Results:
The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.
2.Effect of over-expression of NR2F2 on biological behaviors of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells
Shuo ZHANG ; Yunxiu XIA ; Weiwei CHEN ; Hongliang DONG ; Bingjie CUI ; Cuilan LIU ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Fei WANG ; Jing DU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):58-67
Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2(NR2F2)on the biological behaviors of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells,and to clarify its molecular mechauism and provide the new idea for treatment of ovarian cancer.Methods:Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)Database analyse the expression level of NR2F2 gene in ovarian tissue,and analyse its correlation with clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.The human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were divided into control group and NR2F2 over-expression(NR2F2 OE)group,which were transfected with mCherry control virus and NR2F2 OE over-expression virus,respectively,when the cell deusity reached 70%,and the stable transfection SKOV3 cell lines were screened with puromycin(puro)48h lafter.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting methods were used to detect the transfection efficiencies of the cells;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression levels of NR2F2 and sex-determining region Y-box 2(SOX2)mRNA in the cells in two groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of NR2F2,ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2(ABCG2),and programmed cell death 1-ligand 1(PD-L1)protcins in the cells in two groups.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of the cells in two groups;Wound assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in two groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the number of transmembrane cells;Spheroidization assay was used to detect the numbers of spheroids in the cells;peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)-mediated tumor cell killing assay was used to detect the relative densities of surviving tumor cells;CCK-8 assay was used to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of paclitaxel(PTX)and carboplatin(CBP).Results:Compared with normal ovarian tissue,the expression level of NR2F2 gene in ovarian tumor tissue was decreased(P<0.05),and decreased with the improvement of clinical pathological grading of ovarian tumor.The patients with higher expression level of NR2F2 gene had better clincal prognosis.The SKOV3 cells with NR2F2 over-expresson were successfully constructed,and the expression levels of NR2F2 mRNA and protein in the cells in NR2F2 OE group were increased compared with control group(P<0.001).The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with control group,the proliferation activities of the cells in NR2F2 OE group were decreased at different time points(1,2,3,and 4 d)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The cell wound assay results showed that compared with control group,the migration rate of the cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P<0.001).The Transwell assay results showed that compared with control group,the number of transmembrane cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the number of the spheroids in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of SOX2 mRNA(P<0.01)and protein(P<0.001)were increased.Compared with control group,the relative density of surviving tumor cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased,but the difference was not significant(P<0.05),and the expression level of PD-L1 protein was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the proliferation activities of cells in NR2F2 OE group were decreased(P<0.05),and the drug sensitivities of the cells to PTX and CBP were enhanced(P<0.05);the IC50 of PTX was significantly reduced,while the IC50of CBP could not be calculated due to excessively high drug concentration;the expression level of ABCG2 protein was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:The over-expression of NR2F2 may inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of the human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells,decrease the expression levels of SOX2,PD-L1 and ABCG2 proteins,suppress the stemness and immune evasion ability of the SKOV3 cells,and enhance the sensitivities of the SKOV3 cells to PTX and CBP.
3.Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system for differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma and other hepatic malignancies less than or equal to 3 cm
Lili ZHENG ; Yanyan LIN ; Yiyan DU ; Weiwei ZHAN ; Xinping REN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):89-94
Objective To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)liver imaging reporting and data system version 2017(LI-RADS v2017)in the differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and other hepatic malignancies(OM)less than or equal to 3 cm.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 163 liver lesions less than or equal to 3 cm in 126 patients with pathologically-confirmed liver malignancy were retrospectively analyzed.The patient underwent CEUS from Jan.2018 to Jun.2022 in our hospital,including 133 with HCC and 30 with OM.Nodules were classified based on the CEUS features according to the CEUS LI-RADS v2017.The evaluation of CEUS characteristics and CEUS LI-RADS v2017 in differential diagnosis of HCC and OM were calculated based on pathological findings.Results There were significant differences in the characteristics of arterial phase enhancement,timing of washout onset and washout degree between the HCC group and the OM group(all P<0.001).The HCC group was mainly LR-3(20 lesions,15.04%),LR-4(25 lesions,18.80%)and LR-5(82 lesions,61.65%),and the OM group was mainly LR-M(28 lesions,93.33%).The specificity and positive predictive value of late washout for HCC were 93.33%(28/30)and 98.06%(101/103),respectively;and the sensitivity of early washout for OM was 93.33%(28/30).With LR-5 as the criterion to diagnose HCC,the sensitivity was 61.65%(82/133),the specificity was 93.33%(28/30),and the positive predictive value was 97.62%(82/84);with LR-4/5 as the criterion to diagnose HCC,the sensitivity was 80.45%(107/133),the specificity was 93.33%(28/30),and the positive predictive value was 98.17%(107/109),with the sensitivity of LR-4/5 being significantly higher than those of LR-5(P=0.001).With LR-M as the criterion to diagnose OM,the sensitivity was 93.33%(28/30)and the specificity was 95.49%(127/133).Conclusion The CEUS LI-RADS v2017 can effectively distinguish HCC from OM less than or equal to 3 cm.LR-5 has a low sensitivity for HCC,while LR-4/5 can improve the sensitivity for HCC.
4.Sleep deprivation interferes with the working memory processing chain:evidence from ERPs
Weiwei CAO ; Changwei DU ; Lin XU ; Wenjie ZONG ; Yongcong SHAO ; Yan GENG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):230-235
Objective Sleep is an important physiological process for maintaining normal cognitive functions,but with the accelerated pace and increased work pressure in modern society,sleep deprivation has become a common phenomenon.It has been shown that sleep deprivation interferes with higher cognitive functions such as working memory,but the specific mechanism of its effect is still not completely clear.The present study aimed to systematically investigate the effects of 36 hours of sleep deprivation on the stages of the working memory processing chain and its neural mechanisms through behavioral and event-related potential(ERP)techniques.Methods Using a randomized controlled experimental design,48 healthy adult subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to sleep deprivation and control groups.All subjects completed a 2-back phonological working memory task,and behavioral data(response time and correctness)and ERP data(P2,N2,and P3 component wave amplitudes)were collected at 0 and 36 hours,respectively.The effects of sleep deprivation on working memory behavioral performance and neurophysiological indices were assessed by ANOVA.Results Behavioral results showed that the sleep deprivation group had a significantly longer response time after 36 hours,but no significant decrease in correctness,indicating a decrease in response efficiency but stable accuracy.ERP results showed that P2 amplitude did not change significantly before and after sleep deprivation,indicating that the early perception and categorization stages were limitedly affected by sleep deprivation;whereas,N2 and P3 amplitudes decreased significantly after sleep deprivation,reflecting that later cognitive processing such as conflict monitoring and resource allocation and other late cognitive processing were significantly disturbed.Conclusion Through ERP technology,this study uncovers the phased impact of 36-hour sleep deprivation on the working memory processing chain.The study found that early perceptual and categorization stages may be less susceptible to the effects of sleep deprivation,likely due to their relatively automatic processing and lower demand for cognitive resources.In contrast,during later stages of cognitive processing,particularly in higher-order functions such as conflict monitoring and resource allocation,sleep deprivation significantly impaired task performance efficiency by disrupting prefrontal cortex function.This finding deepens the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of sleep deprivation and provides a scientific basis for cognitive intervention and management strategies in high-stress occupational groups.Future studies can further explore the long-term effects of sleep deprivation and its neural mechanisms by combining multimodal techniques.
6.Nose-to-brain delivery of targeted lipid nanoparticles as two-pronged β-amyloid nanoscavenger for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Yanyan XU ; Xiangtong YE ; Yanfeng DU ; Wenqin YANG ; Fan TONG ; Wei LI ; Qianqian HUANG ; Yongke CHEN ; Hanmei LI ; Huile GAO ; Weiwei ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2884-2899
Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and neuroinflammation, remains a formidable clinical challenge. Herein, we present an innovative nose-to-brain delivery platform utilizing lactoferrin (Lf)-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) co-encapsulating α-mangostin (α-M) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA (siB). This dual-modal therapeutic system synergistically combines the neuroprotective and microglia-reprogramming capabilities of α-M with the transcriptional silencing of BACE1 via siB, thereby simultaneously inhibiting Aβ production and enhancing its clearance. Fabricated via a microfluidic approach, the LNPs exhibited uniform particle size distribution, great encapsulation efficiency, and robust colloidal stability. Upon intranasal administration, Lf-functionalization enabled superior brain-targeting efficacy through receptor-mediated transcytosis. In vitro studies demonstrated that α-M reversed Aβ-induced low-density lipoprotein receptor downregulation, promoting microglial phagocytosis and autophagic degradation of Aβ, while siB effectively suppressed BACE1 expression, abrogating Aβ synthesis. In vivo investigations in APP/PS1 transgenic mice revealed remarkable cognitive recovery, substantial Aβ plaque reduction, and alleviation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This intricately designed LNP system, exploiting a non-invasive and efficient nose-to-brain delivery route, provides a biocompatible, synergistic, and transformative therapeutic strategy for the multifaceted management of AD.
7.Decreased neurotensin induces ovulatory dysfunction via the NTSR1/ERK/EGR1 axis in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dongshuang WANG ; Meiling ZHANG ; Wang-Sheng WANG ; Weiwei CHU ; Junyu ZHAI ; Yun SUN ; Zi-Jiang CHEN ; Yanzhi DU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):149-169
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology*
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Female
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Animals
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Neurotensin/metabolism*
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Receptors, Neurotensin/antagonists & inhibitors*
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Mice
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Ovulation/drug effects*
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Humans
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Granulosa Cells/metabolism*
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Adult
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Oocytes/metabolism*
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MAP Kinase Signaling System
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Signal Transduction
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Follicular Fluid/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives*
8.Effects of sodium selenite on migration and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells and its mechanism
Yuchen HAN ; Weiwei CHEN ; Yu BAI ; Jing DU ; Fei WANG ; Jiajia AN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(9):1598-1605
AIM:To investigate the effects of sodium selenite(SS)on viability,migration and angiogenesis of human non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC)H520 and A549 cells.METHODS:The H520 cells,A549 cells,and hu-man umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)were divided into control group(0 μmol/L SS),low dose group(5 μmol/L SS),middle dose group(10 μmol/L SS),and high dose group(20 μmol/L SS).Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was calculated.Cell migration and invasion abilities were determined through wound healing and Transwell assays.The regulatory effects of SS on angiogenesis,vasculogenic mimicry and"mosaic"vascular formation between HUVEC and NSCLC cells were detected using vessel forming assays.The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the supernatant of lung cancer cells in each group was de-tected using chemiluminescence.RT-qPCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of VEGF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)and angiotensin II(Ang II).Western blot was used to examine the protein levels of VEGF,p-PI3K,and p-Akt in H520 and A549 cells.RESULTS:The IC50 values of SS to HUVEC,A549 cells and H520 cells for 48 h were 6.762,9.003 and 7.356 μmol/L,respectively.Compared with control group,the wound healing rate was significantly decreased in each group treated with SS for 48 h(P<0.01).In HUVEC,the number of migrating cells in middle dose and high dose groups decreased(P<0.01),whereas in lung cancer cells,the number of migrating cells in each group decreased after SS treatment(P<0.01).The mRNA expression levels of VEGF,VEGFR2 and Ang II were lower in high-dose SS group than those in control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In H520 cells,compared with control group,the protein levels of VEGF,p-PI3K and p-Akt in SS treatment groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Sodium selenite inhibits the viability and migration of HUVEC,H520 cells and A549 cells,and inhibits the formation of vasculogenic mimicry and mosaic vessels in NSCLC cells.This mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway activation and regulation of VEGF.
9.One-stage reconstruction of multiple digital wounds in single hand with multiple free anterolateral perforator flaps of calf
You LI ; Linfeng TANG ; Sheng XIONG ; Weiwei DU ; Hailiang LIU ; Heyun CHENG ; Guangliang ZHANG ; Jihui JU ; Ruixing HOU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2024;47(3):307-311
Objective:To explore the application value and treatment effects of multiple free anterolateral perforator flaps of calf for reconstruction of multiple digital wounds in single hand.Methods:From August 2020 to March 2022, 12 patients with soft tissue defects in 35 digits were treated in Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. Ten patients were male and 2 were female, aged 25 to 58 years old. Of the patients, 1 had soft tissue defects in 5 digits, 3 in 4 digits, 2 in 3 digits and 6 in 2 digits. The size of defects was from 1.2 cm ×1.2 cm to 7.0 cm×3.5 cm after debridement. The vascular perforators discovered from intraoperative explorations were found originating from the superficial peroneal artery in 24 flaps, from the peroneal artery in 7 flaps and from the anterior tibial artery in 4 flaps. During surgery, the perforator artery and accompanying veins of the flaps were anastomosed with the proper digital artery and palmar or dorsal subcutaneous veins in the recipient site, respectively. The size of the flaps was from 1.5 cm×1.5 cm to 7.5 cm×4.0 cm. No nerve was affected in the surgery. The wound at donor sites in the calf was sutured directly. Regular postoperative follow-ups were conducted at outpatient clinics. The comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was used to assess the conditions of the donor and recipient sites.Results:In this study, all 35 soft tissue defects of digits in 12 patients were reconstructed by the anterolateral perforator flaps of calf. All the 35 flaps survived after surgery, with a 100% of survival rate. The patients were instructed to carry out early functional training after surgery. Follow-up lasted 6 to 24 months, with an average of 11 months. Twenty-five flaps were found in slightly swollen, and further flap thinning surgery were carried out 3 months after the primary surgery, while the rest of the flaps had good appearance and texture. At 6 months after surgery, all flaps recovered a partial deep and shallow sensory and sense of touch. All wound at donor sites in calf had one-stage healing without dysfunction. The comprehensive evaluation scale was excellent in 28 flaps and good in 7 flaps. The excellent and good rate was 100%.Conclusion:It is an effective method to use multiple free anterolateral perforator flaps of calf to reconstruct multiple digit defects in single hand. The flaps can be conveniently harvested and the multiple digital defects in single hand can be reconstructed in primary surgery with small damages to the donor sites and together with satisfactory clinical outcomes.
10.Clinical value of conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis of benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors
Meijing FENG ; Xinping REN ; Junjian LI ; Lili ZHENG ; Lu ZHANG ; Weiwei ZHAN ; Yiyan DU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(10):1304-1309
Objective To analyze the characteristics of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in hypovascular renal tumors,and to explore the application value of combining the 2 methods in diagnosing benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors.Methods The conventional ultrasound and CEUS data of 104 hypovascular renal tumors(76 benign lesions[benign group]and 28 malignant lesions[malignant group])from 99 patients,who were confirmed by postoperative pathology,biopsy pathology or computed tomography(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)enhancement combined with long-term follow-up in Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and its Wuxi Branch from Oct.13,2009 to Oct.26,2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The location,size,internal echo,morphology,internal and peripheral blood supply of the lesions were observed by conventional ultrasound,and the perfusion mode,regression pattern,perfusion uniformity and ring enhancement signs were observed by CEUS.Taking the pathological results or confirmed results of CT/MRI enhancement combined with long-term follow-up as the gold standard,the value of conventional ultrasound combined with CEUS in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors was analyzed.Results There were significant differences in gender,age of patients and internal echo,contrast agent regression and ring enhancement signs of lesions between the 2 groups(all P<0.05).The malignant tumors were mostly found in males(78.6%,22/28)with an average age of(58.29±11.76)years old;the masses were mostly hypoechoic(64.3%,18/28),and rapid washout was predominant with CEUS(60.7%,17/28).In the benign group,most of the patients were female(55.3%,42/76),with an average age of(50.64±14.88)years old;the majority of the masses were hyperechoic(64.5%,49/76),and CEUS showed simultaneous washout as the main lesion(56.6%,43/76).Three patients(10.7%,3/28)with ring enhancement signs were all malignant.The diagnostic accuracy(82.7%)and specificity(88.2%)for benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors were relatively high when combining the diagnostic indicators of ring enhancement signs and hypoechoic.The diagnostic sensitivity(85.7%)and negative predictive value(92.3%)were relatively high when combining the 3 diagnostic indicators of ring enhancement,hypoechoic,and rapid washout.Conclusion Conventional ultrasound combined with CEUS has significant clinical practical value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors.The ring enhancement sign is highly specific in the diagnosis of malignant hypovascular renal tumors.However,if this sign is not significant and conventional ultrasound shows hypoechoic or CEUS exhibits rapid washout,there is a strong suggestion that the mass may be a malignant lesion.


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