1.Effects of prostaglandin E2 injection into the median preoptic nucleus on body temperature in female mice and its mechanisms
Ya LI ; Yi’an SONG ; Qiaofeng JI ; Lei XU ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianhui XU ; Xiaoyu HOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):250-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) microinjection into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) on core body temperature in female mice, and to clarify its underlying mechanism. MethodsMicroinjection cannula were implanted into the MnPO of female mice using stereotaxic surgery.Subsequently, a multi-channel temperature acquisition system was used to simultaneously monitor rectal and brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperatures before and after intra-MnPO injections of different reagents.To investigate the thermoregulatory effects of the microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO, 12 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a saline group (n=6) and a PGE2 group (n=6), which were injected with 0.1 μL saline and PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L), respectively.To determine whether E-series prostaglandin receptor (EP)1, EP3, and EP4 receptors mediate the thermoregulatory effects of PGE2, 15 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=5 per group).Mice in each group first received an injection of 0.1 μL PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L) into the MnPO. After their body temperature returned to baseline levels, they were subsequently injected with a mixture of either EP1, EP3 or EP4 antagonist (ant) (20 mmol/L) + PGE2 (2.8 mmol/L). ResultsCompared with baseline level, the rectal temperature (P<0.01) and BAT temperature (P<0.001) of female mice both increased significantly after microinjection of PGE2 into the MnPO.Compared with the saline group, the increases in rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.000 1) were significantly greater in the PGE2 group of mice.Furthermore, following the injection of PGE2 into MnPO, the increase in BAT temperature was found to be significantly greater than that in rectal temperature in mice (P<0.001).Compared to the administration of PGE2 alone, co-injection of an EP3 ant + PGE2 into the MnPO of mice resulted in a significantly smaller increase in both rectal temperature (P<0.001) and BAT temperature (P<0.001).In contrast, the increases in rectal and BAT temperatures following MnPO injection of either EP1 ant + PGE2 or EP4 ant + PGE2 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionInjection of PGE2 into the MnPO elevates BAT and core body temperature in female mice via the EP3 receptor.
2.Associations of preconception and prenatal exposures to PM2.5 and its chemical components with risk of large-for-gestational age births
Di WU ; Bo PENG ; Xingyan LIU ; Ya ZHANG ; Zhoupeng REN ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Xu MA
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):676-683
Background Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and increased risks of offspring obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Beyond traditional risk factors, exposure to environmental factors, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), before and during pregnancy may contribute to excessive fetal growth; however, the roles of specific chemical constituents and critical exposure windows remain unclear. Objective To examine the associations between maternal exposures to PM2.5 and its chemical constituents before and during pregnancy and the risk of delivering LGA infants. Methods Singleton pregnancies from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project between 2010 and 2014 were included. Individual exposures to PM2.5 and its constituents were estimated for preconception and pregnancy windows using geocoded residential addresses. The associations of single and mixed exposures with LGA risk were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs) and qg-computation. Results Exposures to PM2.5 and its major chemical constituents were significantly associated with an increased LGA risk, with differences in effect magnitude across components. Secondary inorganic aerosols showed the strongest associations. For full-pregnancy exposure, nitrate (OR=1.330, 95%CI: 1.313, 1.347), ammonium (OR=1.279, 95%CI: 1.263, 1.295), and sulfate (OR=1.242, 95%CI: 1.227, 1.257) had larger effects on LGA risk than black carbon and organic matter. Analysis by exposure window indicated that the month preceding conception and the third trimester of pregnancy were critical exposure windows for susceptibility, while the strongest effect was observed for full-pregnancy exposure, suggesting a cumulative effect over time. Mixed exposure analysis further showed that nitrate and sulfate consistently accounted for the main positive contributions across different time windows. Conclusion Maternal exposures to PM2.5 and its chemical components before and during pregnancy are associated with an elevated LGA risk. Nitrate and sulfate show consistent and strong associations across pregnancy stages, underscoring the importance of component composition and exposure timing in fetal overgrowth.
3.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
4.Analysis of tick monitoring and Bandavirus dabieense carrying status in Tai'an City from 2021 to 2023
Ya-nan WEI ; Tong XU ; Su MI ; Rong-qiang ZHANG ; Fu-rong LIU ; Hao-lin XIN ; Yi-yue FU ; De-zhen MA
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):198-203
Objective To understand the distribution, species composition, seasonal fluctuations, and presence of Dabie bandavirus in ticks in Tai'an City, providing a basis for assessing tick-borne disease risks and formulating prevention strategies. Methods Free-living ticks were monitored using the flagging method, whereas parasitic ticks were monitored through host surface examination. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the presence of Bandavirus dabieense in tick specimens. Results The density of free-living ticks in Tai'an City showed a continuous decreasing trend over the 3 years from 2021 to 2023, with an average tick density of 0.43 ticks/(flag·100 m). The dominant habitats were scenic areas and forests, and the seasonal fluctuations exhibited a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The only free-living tick species captured was Haemaphysalis longicornis. Over the 3 years, the average tick index for parasitic ticks was 1.85, with sheep as the primary host. Seasonal fluctuations also followed a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The primary parasitic tick species captured were H. longicornis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. No Dabie bandavirus was detected in the tick specimens. Conclusions Tick density in Tai'an City remains relatively high, necessitating continued efforts to enhance tick surveillance and implement targeted prevention measures in rural environments to further reduce the health risks posed by tick-borne diseases.
5.Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Hippocampal Neuroinflammation and Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Methamphetamine-Addicted Mice: Transcriptomic Screening Identifies NLRC5 as a Candidate Molecule
Guo-Si YING ; Qiu-Yue HUANG ; Ji-Sheng XU ; Xue-Jie ZHANG ; Ya-Rui DANG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2820-2834
ObjectiveTreadmill exercise intervention was evaluated for its effects on addictive behavior, learning and memory, and hippocampal neuroinflammation in methamphetamine (MA)-addicted mice, and transcriptomic screening was performed to identify candidate molecules involved in exercise-mediated attenuation of MA-related neuronal injury. MethodsTwo-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C), exercise control (CE), methamphetamine (M), and methamphetamine plus exercise (ME). Mice in the M and ME groups received intraperitoneal injections of MA (1 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days to establish the addiction model, whereas mice in the C and CE groups received equal volumes of saline. Subsequently, mice in the CE and ME groups underwent treadmill exercise at 12 m/min for 60 min/d for 2 weeks. Conditioned place preference (CPP), the Y-maze, and the Morris water maze (MWM) were used to assess addictive behavior, spatial recognition memory, and spatial learning and memory, respectively. Hippocampal neuronal ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microglia-related responses were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining for ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the hippocampal CA1 region. Previously generated and publicly available RNA-seq data from brain tissue of the C, M, and ME groups were reanalyzed, with three biological samples per group. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were re-screened using the criteria of P<0.05 and fold change>1.5 or <0.67, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (Nlrc5) was further validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of NLRC5, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin. ResultsTreadmill exercise significantly attenuated MA-induced conditioned place preference and improved learning and memory performance in both the Y-maze and MWM tests. Exercise increased exploration time and distance in the novel arm of the Y-maze, shortened escape latency, and increased the number of platform crossings in the MWM. Average swimming speed during the probe trial did not differ significantly among groups, suggesting that the MWM differences were not attributable to obvious differences in swimming performance. TEM revealed that MA exposure induced mitochondrial swelling, disrupted cristae, reduced organelle abundance, and nuclear envelope abnormalities in hippocampal neurons, whereas these ultrastructural changes were alleviated after exercise. Immunofluorescence staining showed that MA increased Iba-1 fluorescence intensity in the hippocampal CA1 region, while treadmill exercise significantly reduced this change. Transcriptomic analysis identified 160 DEGs associated with MA exposure and 58 DEGs associated with exercise intervention, with 9 overlapping DEGs. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MA-related DEGs were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Among the overlapping DEGs, Nlrc5, which was downregulated after MA exposure and restored following exercise intervention, was selected as a candidate gene for further validation. RT-qPCR confirmed that treadmill exercise reversed the MA-induced decrease in Nlrc5 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis further showed that treadmill exercise increased NLRC5, PSD-95, and synaptophysin protein expression while reducing NF-κB and IL-1β expression. ConclusionTwo weeks of treadmill exercise attenuated MA-induced conditioned place preference and ameliorated learning and memory impairment, alleviated hippocampal neuroinflammation and neuronal ultrastructural damage, and restored the expression of synapse-related proteins. Transcriptomic screening combined with molecular validation demonstrated that exercise intervention was accompanied by restoration of NLRC5 expression, reduced NF‑κB and IL-1β expression, and increased PSD-95 and synaptophysin expression. These findings suggest that NLRC5 may represent a candidate molecule involved in exercise-mediated amelioration of MA-related neuronal injury. However, the present results mainly demonstrate coordinated changes in NLRC5 expression, inflammatory indicators, and cognitive outcomes rather than a direct causal relationship, and the specific role of NLRC5 requires further functional validation.
6.Effect of prostaglandin E2 on discharge activity of warm-sensitive neurons in median preoptic nucleus of hypothalamus in female mice and its mechanism
Xiaoyu HOU ; Ya LI ; Yian SONG ; Tianhui HE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianhui XU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):17-25
Objective:To discuss the effect of prostaglandin E2(PGE2),a pyrogenic mediator,on the discharge activity of warm-sensitive neurons(WSNs)in median preoptic nucleus(MnPO)of hypothalamus in the female mice,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:Coronal brain slices of MnPO were prepared from the female mice.The slices were then perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid(ACSF)containing synaptic transmission blockers(STBs).The discharge frequency was monitored using the patch clamp technique while changing the temperature of the perfusate to identify the WSNs.A total of 32 MnPO WSNs were divided into base line group(n=32)and PEG2(n=32).The patch clamp technique was employed to monitor the discharge frequencies of MnPO WSNs following the perfusion of ACSF and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2,respectively.The MnPO WSNs with good activity and significant change in discharge frequency after PGE2 perfusion were divided into PGE2 receptor E-series prostaglandin receptrol(EP)1 antagonist(EP1 ant)+PGE2 group(n=7),EP3 ant+PGE2 group(n=7),and EP4 ant+PGE2 group(n=7).The patch clamp technique was used to monitor the discharge frequencies of MnPO WSNs following the perfusion of 3 μmol·L-1 EP1 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2 mixture,10 μmol·L-1 EP3 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2mixture,and 10 μmol·L-1 EP4 ant and 1 μmol·L-1 PGE2 mixture,respectively.Resluts:After perfuson of the ACSF containing STBs,a total of 188 MnPO neurons from the female mice with an intrinsic temperature sensitivity coefficient(m value)were identified;out of these,32 neurons had an m value of ≥0.8 and were identified as MnPO WSNs,accounting for approximately 17%of all recorded neurons.Compared with baseline discharge frequency,the discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs after addition of PGE2 was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP3 ant+PGE2 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP1 ant+PGE2 group had no significant difference(P>0.05).Compared with PGE2 group,the percentage change in discharge frequency of MnPO WSNs in EP4 ant+PGE2 group had no significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion:In the female mice,WSNs make up approximately 17%of the total neurons in MnPO.PGE2 can directly inhibit the discharge activity of MnPO WSNs in the female mice through postsynaptic mechanism involving EP3 receptors.
7.Development of Bismuth Iodide Oxide/Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots-based Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Determination of Chlorpyrifos
Ya-Fei CHEN ; Xu-Hui ZHANG ; Guang-Wei YANG ; Xiao-Ping WEI ; Jian-Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):364-374
Bismuth iodide(BiOI)with different crystal plane ratios of(110)to(001)was synthesized,and typeⅡheterojunction formed between(001)and(110)crystal planes of BiOI was used to improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.Then the BiOI(001)/(110)was composited with nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots(N-GQDs)to prepare a ternary composites,which could enhance the range and intensity of light absorption,and prolonged the lifetime of photogenerated electrons due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between BiOI and N-GQDs,thereby leading to the excellent photoelectric performance of the BiOI/N-GQDs for generating sensitive photoelectric response signals.A photoelectrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of chlorpyrifos(CPF)was designed with BiOI/N-GQDs-modified FTO electrode as a photocathode.The S and N atoms contained in CPF were coordinated with Bi(Ⅲ)on the surface of BiOI,which reduced the photocurrent of BiOI/N-GQDs.The photocurrent change was linear with logarithm of concentration of CPF in the range of 1.5×10-12-5.0×10-9 mol/L,and the detection limit was 1.5×10-12 mol/L.The sensor was highly sensitive,selective and stable,and could be used for determination of trace CPF in environmental and food samples.
8.Recent Advances in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Detection of Nano/Microplastics
Ayimureke ASIKAER ; Zhou ZHANG ; Sen-Sen ZHOU ; Ya-Nan XU ; You-Xin WANG ; Yan-Rong LI ; Dan LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1587-1596
Nano/microplastics(NMPs),due to their environmental persistence and resistance to degradation,have emerged as a major contributor to global pollution.NMPs are capable of adsorbing various hazardous chemicals and heavy metals,thereby posing threats to aquatic ecosystem health,which may ultimately cause potential risks to human health.Conventional analytical methods suffered from limited resolution,insufficient chemical information,or destruction of sample,invalidating these assays for on-site detection of NMPs.Surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)offers distinct advantages such as high sensitivity,superior specificity,rich fingerprint information,and non-destructive analysis,thus facilitating the on-site analysis of NMPs in complex matrices.This review summarized recent advances in SERS substrates for detection of NMPs,discussed the construction and applications of SERS-based multimodal detection strategies,and introduced the research progress of SERS detection of NMPs in food safety,environmental pollution,and bioanalysis.Moreover,the main challenges and future directions of SERS-based NMP detection were outlined.
9.Thoughts and Practices on the Development of Forensic Medicine Discipline in the Perspective of Building a Regional High-Level Medical University
Guang CHEN ; Rong-Shuai WANG ; Li SU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xue-Xia LIU ; Shi-Yong FANG ; Zhan-Zhan LIU ; Ya-Jun XU ; Xiang XU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):35-39
Under the background of forensic medicine becoming a first-level discipline,the opportuni-ties and challenges of discipline development coexist.Starting from the actual situation and characteris-tics of local medical colleges and universities,this paper discusses the problems and solutions for the development of forensic medicine discipline from the perspective of building a regional high-level medical university.Combined with the experiences of carrying out forensic medicine education in our college,this paper supplies our thoughts and practices on improving the discipline system,enhancing the ability to serve society,perfecting the talent cultivation model and promoting forensic culture,to provide reference and inspiration for the development of forensic medicine in other universities,jointly promote the advancement of forensic medicine in China to a new stage,and contribute the wisdom and strength of forensic medical experts to the construction of a law-based China,a safe China and a healthy China.
10.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(10):an overview and case study of quality assessment tools
Qingyong ZHENG ; Caihua XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Xiao TANG ; Mengjun ZHANG ; Jinzhi QI ; Ming LIU ; Ya GAO ; Feng SUN ; Jinhui TIAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(10):1113-1126
Methodological quality assessment is a pivotal link between primary studies and reliable evidence-based practice,and an essential pathway for operationalizing the core principles of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition).A prevalent challenge in practice,however,is the conflation of appraising methodological robustness(risk of bias assessment)with verifying reporting transparency(adherence to reporting guidelines).This paper systematically addresses this fundamental challenge,beginning with a clear distinction between the essence and boundaries of these two concepts.On this basis,the article provides a comprehensive review of mainstream quality assessment tools,covering the methodological features and evolutionary trajectory of numerous instruments for interventional(e.g.,RoB 2,ROBINS-I),observational(e.g.,NOS,the JBI/SIGN/NIH series),secondary(e.g.,AMSTAR 2),and other specific types of studies such as health economic evaluations.Furthermore,a complete case study is used to illustrate the practical application of the ROBINS-I tool.The paper's central thesis advocates for an"appraisal-informed design"philosophy,urging a conceptual shift from the retrospective critique of existing literature to the prospective quality control of new research by internalizing appraisal standards as design principles,while also exploring the emerging paradigm of artificial intelligence in assisting assessment.This paper provides a comprehensive methodological reference for researchers and practitioners to prudently select appropriate assessment tools and to conduct rigorous critical appraisals of pharmacoepidemiological evidence.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail