Objective: To understand the association of physical exercise willingness and insomnia with depressive symptoms among college students, so as to provide reference for improving depressive symptoms of college students. Methods: From October 2022 to April 2023, cluster sampling was used to recruit 11 101 college students from four colleges in Anhui Province. The questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the willingness to engage in physical exercise, insomnia and depressive symptoms of college students. The multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of physical exercise willingness and insomnia with depressive symptoms of college students. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among college students was 9.24%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who were passive participants/non participants in physical activity, or who experienced insomnia, had a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms compared to those who were active participants or did not experience insomnia ( OR =1.84, 2.07, 4.02, all P <0.01). College students who were passive participants or non participants in physical activity and concurrently experienced insomnia had a higher risk of depressive symptoms compared with those who were active participants or did not experience insomnia ( OR =1.87-8.39, all P <0.01). Gender stratified analysis showed that the combined effect of passive physical exercise and insomnia increased the risk of depressive symptoms in both male ( OR = 1.81 -9.87) and female college students ( OR =1.67-7.39) (all P <0.05). Conclusions Both physical exercise willingness and insomnia are associated with depressive symptoms in college students. In order to improve the depressive symptoms of college students, it is necessary to improve the enthusiasm of physical exercise and strengthen the education of sleep health awareness.

The present study aimed to explore whether hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) improved hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) in rats by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis-pyroptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group, normal+NaHS group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia+NaHS group, with 6 rats in each group. The control group rats were placed in a normoxic (21% O₂) environment and received daily intraperitoneal injections of an equal volume of normal saline. The normal+NaHS group rats were placed in a normoxic environment and intraperitoneally injected with 14 μmol/kg NaHS daily. The hypoxia group rats were placed in a hypoxia chamber, and the oxygen controller inside the chamber maintained the oxygen concentration at 9% to 10% by controlling the N₂ flow rate. An equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally every day. The hypoxia+NaHS group rats were also placed in an hypoxia chamber and intraperitoneally injected with 14 μmol/kg NaHS daily. After the completion of the four-week modeling, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of each group was measured using right heart catheterization technique, and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was weighed and calculated. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue, Masson staining was used to observe fibrosis of lung tissue, and Western blot was used to detect protein expression levels of hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), GSDMD-N-terminal domain (GSDMD-N), Caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. The results showed that, compared with the normal control group, there were no significant changes in all indexes in the normal+NaHS group, while the hypoxia group exhibited significantly increased mPAP and RVHI, thickened pulmonary vascular wall, narrowed lumen, increased collagen fibers, up-regulated expression levels of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins (HK2 and PKM2), up-regulated expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, GSDMD-N, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and increased contents of IL-1β and IL-18. These changes of the above indexes in the hypoxia group were significantly reversed by NaHS. These results suggest that H₂S can improve rat HPH by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis-pyroptosis.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Hydrogen Sulfide/therapeutic use* ; Hypoxia/complications* ; Rats ; Pyroptosis/drug effects*

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of lung zinc ions to pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, lung I/R group (I/R group), lung I/R + low-dose zinc chloride group (LZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + high-dose ZnCl₂ group (HZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + medium-dose ZnCl₂ group (MZnCl₂+I/R group) and TPEN+MZnCl₂+I/R group (n = 8 in each group). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the concentration of zinc ions in lung tissue. The degree of lung tissue injury was analyzed by observing HE staining, alveolar damage index, lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung tissue gross changes. TUNEL staining was used to detect cellular apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to determine the protein expression levels of caspase-3 and ZIP8, as well as the mRNA expression levels of zinc transporters (ZIP, ZNT) in lung tissue. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of lung tissue was detected by JC-1 MMP detection kit. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the lung tissue damage, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index were significantly increased in the I/R group. And in the lung tissue, the concentration of Zn²⁺ was markedly decreased, while the cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio and apoptotic levels were significantly increased. The expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein were down-regulated significantly, while the mRNA expression of other zinc transporters remained unchanged. There was also a significant decrease in MMP. Compared with the I/R group, both MZnCl₂+I/R group and HZnCl₂+I/R group exhibited significantly reduced lung tissue injury, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index, increased Zn²⁺ concentration, decreased ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 and apoptosis, and up-regulated expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein. In addition, the MMP was significantly increased in the lung tissue. Zn²⁺ chelating agent TPEN reversed the above-mentioned protective effects of medium-dose ZnCl₂ on the lung tissue in the I/R group. The aforementioned results suggest that exogenous administration of ZnCl₂ can improve lung I/R injury in rats.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/pathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Chlorides/administration & dosage* ; Lung/pathology* ; Zinc Compounds/administration & dosage* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction (EZJDD) Granules in treating mid-advanced hepatitis B virus-associated primary liver cancer (HBV-PLC) patients with Pi (Spleen)-deficiency and dampness-heat syndrome. METHODS: From January 2021 to June 2023, a cohort of 132 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group or a EZJDD group according to the random numbers, with 66 patients in each group. The patients in the control group received conventional treatment for 3 months, followed by a 3-month follow-up. In addition to the conventional treatment, patients in the EZJDD group were administered EZJDD Granules (10.9 g/pack, 2 packs twice per day) orally for same duration. Progression-free survival (PFS) as primary outcome was evaluated by Kaplan Meier method. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores were used to assess the quality of life in two groups before and after treatment, and survival rates were determined as well. The efficacy of Chinese medicine syndrome was calculated with Nimodipine method. Liver function, tumor indicators and T lymphocyte subsets were measured, respectively. Safety indicators were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients who completed the study, 57 were in the control group and 59 in the EZJDD group. The median PFS was 3.53 months (106 days) in the EZJDD group compared to 2.33 months (70 days) in the control group (P=0.005). Six-month survival rate was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 69.49% (41/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.039). The median KPS score in the EZJDD group [70(63, 90)] was higher than that in the control group [70(60, 80)] (P=0.013). The total effective rate of CM syndrome was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 77.97% (46/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.005). The levels of alpha fetoprotein, alpha fetoprotein-L3, alpha-L-fucosidase and protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonist- II in the EZJDD group increased less than the control group (P>0.05). CD8⁺ levels were decreased, while CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ levels, as well as CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were significantly increased in the EZZJD group (P<0.05). No treatment-related adverse reactions were observed during the study. CONCLUSION EZJDD Granules significantly prolonged the median PFS and improved 6-month survival rate in patients with mid-advanced HBV-PLC (Registration No. ChiCTR2200056922).
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Liver Neoplasms/complications* ; Hepatitis B virus/physiology* ; Hepatitis B/complications* ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Spleen/drug effects* ; Quality of Life ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Aged ; Syndrome

AIM:This study utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create Retnlb floxp knock-in mice,followed by the application of the Cre-LoxP recombination system to generate intestinal epithelial-specific Retnlb gene knockout mice(Retnlb-CKO).This model was developed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of Retnlb in inflammatory bowel disease.METHODS:Female and male C57BL/6N mice,aged 8 weeks with the Retnlbflox/+genotype,were housed togeth-er for breeding.Offsprings were screened to identify those with the Retnlbflox/flox genotype.These mice were then crossed with Vil1-Cre transgenic mice,which express Cre recombinase specifically in intestinal epithelial cells,resulting in Retnlb-flox/+,Cre+mice.Subsequent crosses between Retnlbflox/+,Cre+mice and Retnlbflox/flox mice produced Retnlbflox/flox,Cre+mice(Retnlb-CKO).Six 8-week-old Retnlbflox/flox,Cre+mice and their littermate Retnlbflox/flox mice were selected for experiments.RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess Retnlb mRNA and protein levels in colonic epithelium.Phenotypic observa-tions included body length,weight,diet,and reproductive capability.Tissue-to-body weight ratios were calculated to ana-lyze growth and development.Intestinal barrier integrity and colonic expression of inflammatory factors were evaluated.RESULTS:The conditional gene knockout mouse model with specific deletion of Retnlb in intestinal epithelial cells was successfully established and validated through genetic identification,mRNA and protein analysis.Compared to Retnlbflox/flox mice,Retnlb-CKO mice exhibited no significant differences in body length,weight,diet,or reproductive capability.There were no differences in the ratios of heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,and colon weight to body weight,nor were there morphological differences in various tissues.However,the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1,Occlu-din,and Claudin3 in colon tissues of Retnlb-CKO mice was significantly reduced(P<0.01).PAS staining and immunohis-tochemistry revealed a significant decrease in the number of goblet cells and lysozyme-positive cells in the colon tissues of Retnlb-CKO mice(P<0.01).HE staining showed no obvious pathological change in colon tissues of Retnlb-CKO mice.RT-qPCR further demonstrated a significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors NLRP3,interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in colon tissues(P<0.01),along with significant downregulation of inflamma-tion signaling pathway proteins TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:A conditional colon epithelial cell Retnlb gene knockout mouse model was successfully constructed and validated.The absence of Retnlb in colon cells led to impaired intestinal barrier function,decreased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors in colon tissue,and downregulation of mRNA expression of inflammatory pathway proteins TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB.

Background: Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being. Methods: A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health. Results: Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands. Conclusion Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.

Background: Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being. Methods: A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health. Results: Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands. Conclusion Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.

Background: Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being. Methods: A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health. Results: Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands. Conclusion Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.

Background: Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being. Methods: A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health. Results: Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands. Conclusion Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.

Background: Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being. Methods: A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health. Results: Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands. Conclusion Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.