1.Relationship between dietary inflammatory index and elevated blood pressure among primary school students in Ma anshan City
SUN Qian, LI Cui, ZHAI Guangfu, LU Fen, QU Guangbo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):319-322
Objective:
To explore the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and elevated blood pressure among primary school students, and to analyze the mediating role of body mass index (BMI) in this association, so as to provide a scientific basis for the early prevention of childhood hypertension and dietary guidance.
Methods:
Research conducted based on the Ma anshan Child Growth Cohort in Anhui Province. From April to June 2024, 4 057 primary school students were selected as study subjects using a multi stage cluster sampling method. Dietary information was collected via Semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to calculate the DII score. BMI was obtained by measuring students height and weight. Elevated blood pressure was defined based on the Blood Pressure Reference Standards for Children Aged 3-17 Years. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between DII scores and the risk of elevated blood pressure, and the Bootstrap method was employed to test for mediating effects.
Results:
The detection rate of elevated blood pressure among primary school students was 10.1% (408 cases). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for covariates such as gender and age, for each standard deviation increase in the DII score ( s =1.94), the risk of elevated blood pressure increased by 15% ( OR =1.15, 95% CI =1.04- 1.28 , P <0.05). Compared with the lowest quartile group of DII scores ( Q 1), students in the highest quartile group ( Q 4) had a 1.31-fold higher risk of elevated blood pressure ( OR =1.31, 95% CI =1.00-1.76, P <0.05). Restricted cubic spline results indicated a linear dose response relationship between DII scores and the risk of elevated blood pressure( P nonlinear =0.13). The mediation analysis revealed that BMI played a partial mediating role in the association between DII scores and elevated blood pressure. The mediation effect value was 0.06 (95% CI =0.04-0.08), accounting for 44.64% of the total effect.
Conclusions
DII scores are associated with elevated blood pressure among primary school students in Ma anshan City, and BMI plays a partial mediating role in this association. Promoting an anti inflammatory dietary pattern and weight control in early childhood should be emphasized to reduce the incidence of hypertension among primary school students.
2.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
3.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
4.Network structure analysis of the association between physical fitness indicators and anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students
BAI Jianfei, CHEN Wenjia, CAO Chunxia, LI Jianhui, CUI Shuang, ZHAI Feng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):966-970
Objective:
To explore the micro associations and key bridge nodes between physical fitness indicators and anxiety/depressive symptoms among college students using network analysis, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for promoting physical and mental health of college students.
Methods:
From September to October 2025, a combination of purposive sampling and cluster sampling was employed to select 2 158 college students from three universities in Xuzhou City. Seven physical fitness indicators were measured and standardized according to the National Student Physical Health Standard. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Independent samples t-test was used for intergroup comparisons of physical fitness indicators and psychological symptom scores. A gaussian graphical model (GGM) was constructed to calculate node and bridge strength, followed by stability analyses.
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among college students were 21.3% and 24.5%, respectively. Male participants demonstrated superior performance in physical fitness indicators such as vital capacity, 50 meter sprint, and standing long jump compared to female participants, whereas females exhibited better results in the sit and reach test ( t =48.35, -44.82 , 70.21, -16.51, all P <0.01). Regarding psychological indicators, female participants showed higher scores of anxiety and depressive symptoms than males ( t =-4.15, -4.46, both P <0.01). Physical fitness and psychological symptoms were predominantly negatively correlated. "feeling tired" and "not being able to stop or control worrying" were the symptoms with the highest centrality in the network of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (standardized strengths were 2.15 and 1.98, respectively). Among the bridge indicators, the "1 000 m (male)/800 m (female) run" exhibited the highest strength (0.85), outperforming "vital capacity" (0.35); it was linked to the symptom cluster primarily by negatively predicting "feeling tired" (edge weight=-0.38). The network stability was excellent of physical fitness and phychological symptoms among college students (correlation stability coefficient= 0.60 ).
Conclusions
Endurance capacity serves as the most critical bridge connecting physical and mental health, and its decline is closely related to intensified feelings of fatigue. Colleges should prioritize endurance training as a core target for promoting college students mental health.
5.Effects of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on the recovery of rectus abdominalis after delivery
Huan CUI ; Guirong ZHAI ; Qing YE ; Yuanyuan CAO
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(10):1466-1470
Objective:To investigate the effects of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on the recovery of rectus abdominis after delivery.Methods:This study used a case-control design. A total of 150 postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis who were admitted to Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study. The patients were divided into a treatment group ( n = 75, receiving low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training) and a control group ( n = 75, receiving exercise training only) based on the different treatment methods used. Both groups underwent treatment for 8 weeks. The inter-rectus distance, abdominal core muscle strength, pain levels, and thickness of the bilateral rectus abdominis muscles were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, the inter-rectus distances at 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus in the treatment group were all smaller than those in the control group ( t = -3.25, -3.49, -4.52, all P<0.05). The time taken for the treatment group to complete the level 1 test of the eight-level abdominal bridge test was significantly longer than that in the control group [(62.00 ± 7.03) seconds vs. (35.89 ± 6.88) seconds, t = 22.99, P<0.05]. The root mean square values of the transverse abdominis muscle on both the affected side and the healthy side during the stepping test in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group [(6.70 ± 0.92) vs. (5.64 ± 0.89), t = 7.17, P<0.05]. The scores for each item on the Global Pain Scale and the total score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The thicknesses of the rectus abdominis muscles on both sides (left side: at the umbilicus, 3 cm below the umbilicus; right side: 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus) in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training can promote the recovery of rectus abdominis function, reduce the inter-rectus distance, improve core muscle strength, increase the thickness of the rectus abdominis, and relieve pain.
6.Interpretation of the WHO′s “Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Health: Guidance on Large Multi-Modal Models” and its implications for China
Yao YANG ; Cui Victor YU ; Yuting WANG ; Peng XUE ; Xiaomei ZHAI ; Youlin QIAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(6):960-969
With the rapid advancement and iterative development of new artificial intelligence technologies, there remains a regulatory vacuum in corresponding governance measures among governments worldwide. Simultaneously, a technological and governance gap exists between developing countries and developed economies. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released "Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Health: Guidance on Large Multi-Modal Models" to assist governments in strengthening governance capabilities in this field. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the Guidance, aiming to identify challenges and risks associated with the application of multimodal large models in healthcare. Guided by ethical principles for advancing health through artificial intelligence, the paper examines the three-tier governance framework and recommendations outlined in the Guidance. Additionally, it evaluates the current state of AI governance in China, offering insights and reference points for improving AI governance in China′s healthcare sector.
7.Establishment of reference values for clot waveform analysis parameters and their clinical application in differentiating acquired hemophilia A from lupus anticoagulant positive conditions
Bin YAN ; Mengchao CUI ; Yuanyuan WEN ; Di WU ; Luyi RU ; Huixin ZOU ; Tianxi HU ; Ruijuan WANG ; Suping ZHAI ; Weipeng DU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(3):371-377
Objective:To establish reference values for clot waveform analysis (CWA) and analyze their diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing acquired hemophilia A (AHA) and lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive patients.Methods:Case-Control Study. A total of 391 healthy individuals(260 males and 131 females) with a mean age of 45.53±14.85 years were enrolled at Nanyang central Hospital between January 6, 2023 and October 10, 2024. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were measured to establish reference ranges for the CWA parameters, including maximal reaction velocity (Min1), maximal reaction acceleration (Min2), and maximal reaction deceleration (Max2). A total of 158 definitively diagnosed AHA and LA-positive patients (mean age:42.46±14.83 years), including 34 AHA patients and 124 LA-positive patients, were recruited. The Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in the CWA parameters between the two groups. The diagnostic efficacy of CWA parameters in distinguishing AHA and LA-positive patients was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve AUC and the cut-off values were calculated. Results:The reference values for PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, APTT-Max2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2, TT-Max2 were 203.41-516.89, 144.63-324.03, 526.46-1 190.03, -404.96±157.22, 159.17±60.34, 272.29-686.99, and -289.47--113.76, respectively. Compared with the CWA parameters in AHA patients, APTT-Max2 was significantly lower in LA-positive patients [-422.74(-577.50, -239.22) vs. -68.87(-92.85,30.28), Z=-7.43, P<0.01], while PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2 were significantly elevated [287.01(188.03, 382.50) vs. 107.45(90.20, 151.39), 972.88(601.20, 1 351.19) vs. 229.10(118.38, 371.67), Z=6.68, 6.69, all P<0.01]. ROC analysis demonstrated the APTT-CWA parameter exhibited high diagnostic efficacy in patients with AHA (AUC>0.900 for both).Additionally, APTT-Min1 and APTT-Max2 were found to be useful in distinguishing between AHA patients and those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation (AUC=0.660, 0.700, respectively). Conclusions:Reference values for CWA parameters were successfully established. The APTT-CWA is useful for differentiating between AHA and LA-positive patients and APTT-Max2 demonstrated a good diagnostic value in differentiating AHA patients from those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation.
8.Research Progress in the Mechanism of Shaoyao Decoction in Regulating Cytokines for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Cuicui LIU ; Peng'an YAN ; Xi CUI ; Qinqin LIU ; Hanghang LI ; Rui ZHAI ; Shuxun SHI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):179-184
Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a recurrent,chronic,nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease.Shaoyao Decoction has shown good efficacy in the treatment of UC,which mainly regulates the balance of cytokines to achieve the purpose of treating UC.This article reviewed the research progress in the mechanism of Shaoyao Decoction in the treatment of UC from two aspects of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines.Research has shown that Shaoyao Decoction can regulate the body's immune response,alleviate intestinal inflammation,protect the intestinal mucosal barrier,restore normal structure and function of the colon mucosa through pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-17,and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β,IL-4,IL-10,IL-13,which can provide reference for UC related mechanism research and clinical treatment.
9.Investigation on influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen
Ruiyao MA ; Xinyang YU ; Yue WANG ; Jiatong CUI ; Zijing SHAO ; Yinliang ZHAO ; Teng XU ; Zehui YAN ; Lingling ZHAI
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):129-134
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen,providing a theoretical basis for promoting their mental health.Methods:From Jan to Feb 2022,an online questionnaire survey was conducted,involving 483 online questionnaires from college freshmen(184 males,299 females).The depression-anxiety-stress self-rating scale,smartphone dependence self-rating scale for adolescents,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)were used for online surveys.The influencing factors of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity among college freshmen were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results:The detection rates of smartphone dependence,sleep disorders,depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen were 26.1%,12.8%,26.3%,32.1%,and 23.6%,respectively.The detection rates of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms in male students were significantly higher than those in female students(P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that self-perceived poor mental health,smartphone dependence and sleep disorders were risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms.Low satisfaction with college life was a risk factor for depression.Medical specialty was a risk factor for anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusions:Male college freshmen show higher rates of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity.Low satisfaction with college life,self-perceived poor mental health,high academic pressure,smartphone dependence,medical specialty,and sleep disorders may be risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen.
10.Recent advance in role of carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue in carotid atherosclerotic plaque
Xueke ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WU ; Manman CUI ; Zeyuan CAO ; Dongliang HU ; Yan LIU ; Duchang ZHAI ; Wu CAI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(10):1053-1057
Carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can influence plaque formation and progression. Recently, carotid artery PVAT density has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker being capable of reflecting local metabolic and inflammatory states of adipose tissue. It is closely associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, thinning or rupture of the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcification. Therefore, carotid artery PVAT density holds promise as a key parameter for early identification of vulnerable carotid plaques and stroke risk prediction. This article reviews the definition and pathophysiological mechanism of PVAT and application of imaging techniques in PVAT, as well as the association between carotid artery PVAT density and vulnerable characteristics of plaques, with the aim of providing references for early identification of asymptomatic high-risk plaques and individualized prevention strategies of ischemic stroke.


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