1.Comparative analysis of four risk assessment methods for benzene homologues exposure at key work sites in the automobile manufacturing industry
Lin CHEN ; Danping DUAN ; Zibo CEN ; Peixian CHEN ; Shaofang ZHU ; Hai ZHANG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):160-165
Objective To explore the applicability of four risk assessment methods in evaluating occupational health risks associated with low-level benzene homologues exposure in key work sites within the automobile manufacturing industry. Methods The work sites (paint mixing and spray painting) with exposure to benzene homologues among six automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangdong Province were selected as the study subjects using the judgmental sampling method. Qualitative risk assessment, exposure index method, non-carcinogenic risk assessment, and the International Council on Mining and Metals risk rating method were independently applied to evaluate the occupational health risks of benzene homologues at these work sites. Accuracy, consistency, and correlation of the four methods were compared. Results The air levels of benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene in work sites of paint mixing and spray painting across all six enterprises met national occupational health standards. The median ratios of occupational exposure limits for benzene and toluene in spray painting site were higher than those in paint mixing site (0.017 vs 0.010, P<0.05). Using this ratio as a reference for evaluating method accuracy, the non-carcinogenic risk assessment method could distinguish paint mixing site from spray painting site in terms of risk level (P<0.05), whereas the other three methods could not (both P>0.05). The result of consistency testing revealed that the Kappa coefficients between the four methods ranged from -0.13-0.26, indicating poor consistency. The result of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the non-carcinogenic risk assessment and exposure index methods had higher correlation with occupational exposure limits ratios (Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.501 and 0.656, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational health risk assessment can serve as a supplementary tool to evaluate the hazard level of key work sites in the automobile manufacturing industry. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment shows higher accuracy.
2.Deoxynivalenol contamination in cereals and bakery products in Shanghai and dietary exposure assessment in pregnant women
Kailin LI ; Baozhang LUO ; Renjie QI ; Hua CAI ; Xia SONG ; Jingjin YANG ; Danping QIU ; Zhenni ZHU ; Yi HE ; Hong LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1170-1176
Background Deoxynivalenol (DON), a priority contaminant for food safety risk monitoring, is produced by Fusarium spp. infesting crops, and its common derivatives are 3-acetyl-DON (3A-DON) and 15-acetyl-DON (15A-DON), which have been shown to possess gastrointestinal toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cytotoxicity. Due to the stable physicochemical properties of the DON family of toxins (DONs), they cannot be effectively removed during food processing, thus following the food chain, entering the human body, and posing health risks. Objective To understand the contamination status of DONs in commercial foods (cereals and bakery products) in Shanghai in 2022–2023, and to assess the exposure risk of DONs in pregnant women by combining their dietary consumption data. Methods Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the contamination level of DONs in 1 100 food samples (cereals and baked goods) collected in 2022 and 944 samples collected in 2023 from Shanghai. The dietary monitoring data of pregnant women in Shanghai from 2016 to 2017 were adopted. The monitoring employed the food frequency questionnaire distributed among pregnant women through a combination of online telephone enquiry and offline on-site face-to-face survey to estimate their food consumption levels. An exposure assessment model was established to calculate the exposure level to DONs, and the probability distribution of the DONs exposure level in the pregnant women group in Shanghai was obtained by applying @Risk 7.5 software and simulating the calculation according to the Monte Carlo principle. With reference to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of DONs [1.00 µg·(kg·d)−1] proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, the risk of exposure to DONs from commercial cereals and bakery products in pregnant women in Shanghai was assessed. Results DONs were detected in cereal and bakery samples collected in 2022 and 2023 with different levels of contamination. The level of DONs in cereal foods in 2023 (mean: 36.33 µg·kg−1) decreased compared to 2022 (mean: 23.64 µg·kg−1). However, the positive rate (71.67%) and level (mean: 51.22 µg·kg−1) of DONs in bakery products increased significantly compared with 2022 (positive rate: 10.00%, mean: 24.39 µg·kg−1). The mean consumption of cereals in 783 pregnant women was 222.48 g·d−1 and the mean consumption of bakery products was 36.07 g·d−1, and there was no statistically significant difference in the intake of all types of cereals and bakery products across the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy. The modelled intakes of DONs via commercial cereals and bakery products for pregnant women in Shanghai were calculated to be 0.20 and 0.57 µg·(kg·d)−1 in 2022 for the mean level and the 95th percentile level, respectively, and 0.16 µg·(kg·d)−1 and 0.35 µg·(kg·d)−1 in 2023, respectively. The results of the health risk assessment showed that pregnant women in Shanghai had 2.6% and 1.4% probability of exposure to DONs from cereal consumption in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Conclusion The risk of exposure of pregnant women in Shanghai to DONs via commercial cereals and bakery products is relatively low (1.4%-2.6%). However, considering the physical sensitivity of pregnant women, they should avoid consuming moldy grains and appropriately reduce intake of bakery products.
3.Professor SUN Shentian's experience in the theoretical basis and practice of Ningshen point.
Yihao ZHOU ; Dongyan WANG ; Rongyu XU ; Danping LI ; Hong HUO ; Ying ZHANG ; Xingyan ZHU ; Shentian SUN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(3):361-364
The paper introduces Professor SUN Shentian's experience in clinical practice of Ningshen (tranquilizing the mind) point. This point is an empirical point discovered by Professor SUN on the basis of meridian differentiation, nerve function and anatomic location, and in association with the years of clinical practice. The point is located in the prefrontal area, jointed with the distribution of the governor vessel, and responded to the body surface projection area of the frontal pole. It works on regulating the mind, regaining consciousness, improving cognition, alleviating depression, mutually treating physical and mental disorders, as well as unblocking collaterals, regulating the tendons and relieving spasm. This point is widely used in treatment of mental disorders, stroke and extrapyramidal diseases and obtains the reliable therapeutic effect in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Acupuncture Therapy/history*
;
China
;
Meridians
;
History, 20th Century
4.Advancements in intrauterine treatment of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma
Qingguo ZOU ; Shanshan LIU ; Danping LU ; Hongyun ZHANG ; Jiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(1):85-89
Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma(SCT)is a rare condition,but the prognosis of fetuses diagnosed with SCT prenatally is generally poor,with a mortality rate of 13% to 50%. The primary causes of death include fetal hydrops and high?output heart failure,while other causes include tumor rupture,hemorrhage,preterm labor,dystocia,or malignant teratoma invasion of surrounding tissues. For large tumors,especially those with rich blood supply or rapid growth,intrauterine treatment should be considered to prevent arteriovenous shunting,reduce tumor size,and reverse fetal heart failure and hydrops. This approach aims to allow the fetus to grow safely to a viable gestational age,after which the tumor can be completely removed by secondary surgery following cesarean delivery or natural childbirth. Currently,there are five main intrauterine treatment strategies:①Ultrasound?guided cystic teratoma aspiration:single or multiple aspirations,intrauterine continuous drainage,or prenatal aspiration;②Ultrasound?guided alcohol sclerotherapy;③Open fetal surgery;④Laser ablation:fetoscopic?guided ablation of feeding vessels of the teratoma,or ultrasound?guided laser ablation;⑤ Ultrasound?guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA).According to the literature,the latter two minimally invasive intrauterine treatment methods show better outcomes for teratomas containing solid components and are gradually becoming the mainstream treatment options.
5.Clinical Observation of Acupoint Injection Improving Glycometabolism in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Jinlin WU ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Liu TANG ; Yizhi ZU ; Xijian ZHANG ; Danping ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1982-1989
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupoint injection on glycometabolism in patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods Eighty patients who were newly diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in our hospital were randomly allocated into two groups:a control group and a treatment group,with 40 cases in each group.The two groups were treated with dietary exercise lifestyle and dietary exercise lifestyle+acupoint injection intervention for 3 months,respectively.The basal disposition index(DI0),early-phase disposition index(DI30),and total disposition index(DI120)represented β-cell function at fasting,early phase,and 120 minutes during the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT).The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and the M value obtained from the high insulin-euglycemic clamp(HEC)test indicated insulin sensitivity.The changes in anthropometric indicators[waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),body mass index(BMI)],blood glucose and insulin levels[fasting blood glucose(Glu0),2 h post-OGTT blood glucose(Glu120),fasting insulin(Ins0),2 h post-OGTT insulin(Ins120),and glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)],sex hormones[free testosterone index(FAI),luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH)],pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity,oxidative stress[malondialdehyde(MDA),Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase(Cu/Zn SOD),glutathione peroxidase 1(GPX1)],and inflammation[interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)]were compared before and after treatment,and safety observations were conducted.Results The baseline levels of the two groups were consistent(P>0.05);after treatment,the Glu0,Ins0,HOMA-IR,MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α in the treatment group were significantly reduced compared to those observed in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while DI0,DI120,M value,Cu/Zn SOD,and GPX1 were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).However,there were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric indicators,sex hormones,and other glucose metabolism indicators(P>0.05),and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Acupoint injection can alleviate glycometabolism in patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stasis to a certain extent,improve systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory status,and provide a possible external treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine for these patients.
6.Exploring the nursing characteristics and management for patients with high levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) - antibodies undergoing different desensitization strategies before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT)
Danping ZHOU ; Yanting GU ; Yin LU ; Cuiping ZHANG ; Shiyuan ZHOU ; Xiaohong ZHOU ; Xiaming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1687-1694
Objective: To investigate the efficacy, nursing characteristics, and management of different desensitization strategies before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) among patients with high level of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 82 patients with high levels of HLA antibodies who underwent allo-HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Suzhou Hopes Hematonosis Hospital between January 2020 to November 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the desensitization strategy they received: the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody combined with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) group (n=50) and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody combined with Protein A immunoabsorption group (n=32). The differences of efficacy between the desensitization strategies were analyzed. The safety of both desensitization strategies were assessed by close monitoring of adverse events throughout the treatment. The nursing characteristics and interventions specific to these strategies were comprehensively summarized. Results: There were no significant differences in age, gender, and diagnosis between the two groups of patients receiving different desensitization strategies (P>0.05). Following desensitization in the immunoadsorption group, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) levels of anti-HLA Class I antibody decreased significantly compared to initial screening (P=0.048), while the decrease in MFI values of anti-HLA Class II antibody was not statistically significant (P=0.173). In the TPE group, the MFI levels for both anti-HLA Class I and II antibodies after desensitization decreased significantly compared to initial screening (P=0.025 and 0.028, respectively). Monitoring of adverse events during desensitization treatment, found that patients in the immunoadsorption group experienced mild decreases in blood pressure during the process, with two patients developing severe hypotension. No allergic reactions occurred, and no damage of liver or kidney function was observed after the immunoadsorption. In the immunoadsorption group, a total of 19 patients underwent sera immunoglobulin assays before and after immunoadsorption. Compared to the initial screening, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels significantly decreased after immunoadsorption (P<0.001). In TPE group, 12 patients experienced mild hypotension during the plasma exchange process, but no severe hypotension was observed. One patient developed an allergic reaction. After the TPE treatment, no damage of liver or kidney function was observed, nor any decrease of IgG levels. In terms of safety of intravenous access, neither group experienced severe complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections or deep vein thrombosis. In the TPE group, catheter occlusion occurred during the process of plasma exchange in 2 patients, while no such incident was observed in the immunoadsorption group. Patients of both groups exhibited anxiety and depression before treatment. After psychological care, the scores for anxiety and depression significantly decreased (P<0.001). Conclusion: Both desensitization strategies significantly decreased the HLA antibodies in highly sensitized patients with high level of HLA antibodies undergoing allo-HSCT. For patients receiving immunoabsorption, nursing care should focus on preventing and managing hypotension and implementing infection-prevention measures due to IgG depletion. In contrast, for those undergoing TPE, vigilant monitoring and prompt management of potential allergic reactions are essential components of nursing practice.
7.Molecular mechanism of hesperetin in the treatment of heart failure by network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics
Yue LI ; Guiyu LI ; Xiaoling ZHU ; Miaoyang LIN ; Danping XU
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(5):462-472
Objective:To systematically elucidate the molecular mechanism of hesperetin in the treatment of heart failure by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, and to clarify its key targets and pathway regulatory networks.Methods:Potential targets of hesperetin were retrieved from the PubChem, Pharmmapper, SwissTargetPrediction, and Similarity ensemble approach databases. Heart failure-related targets were obtained from the OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD databases. Intersection targets were identified using Venny 2.1. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of potential targets was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 software. Gene ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of key targets were performed using the Metascape database. Molecular docking was carried out using Autodock vina1.1.2. GROMACS (2024.03) was employed to conduct a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation on the optimal affinity complex. The thermodynamic stability of the candidate complex during simulation was evaluated by analyzing the root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and binding free energy. Data were analyzed by an independent sample t test or one-way analysis of variance. Results:A total of 356 related targets of hesperetin and 2 923 related targets of heart failure were screened, with 152 intersection targets identified as potential targets for hesperetin intervention in heart failure. PPI network topological analysis revealed key targets for hesperetin intervention in heart failure, including insulin-like growth factor 1, estrogen receptor 1 (ER1), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3, sarcoma proto-oncogene, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP2, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), albumin, heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). GO functional enrichment analysis indicated that biological processes were mainly enriched in response to hormone stimulation, positive regulation of cell migration, gland development, response to nutritional levels, regulation of system processes, and response to trauma. Molecular functions were primarily enriched in phosphotransferase activity, nuclear receptor activity, endopeptidase activity, kinase binding, heme binding, hormone binding and protease binding. Cellular components were mainly enriched in membrane-related structures such as vesicle cavity, membrane raft, vacuole cavity, receptor complex and extracellular matrix containing collagen. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these key targets were significantly enriched in lipid and atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy of hesperetin to MMP9 (?46.442 kJ/mol) was significantly lower than that to other key targets. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the hesperetin-MMP9 complex maintained structural stability, with an average RMSD of 1.60 ?. The average RMSF values of MMP9 residues (0.83 ?) and ligand atoms (0.68 ?) indicated stable protein conformation and ligand-binding states. The Rg values of MMP9 [(15.04±0.60) ?] and hesperetin [(4.19±0.35) ?] showed minimal fluctuations, further supporting structural compactness. The total binding free energy of the hesperetin-MMP9 complex during the 100 ns simulation was (?142.3±6.3) kJ/mol, with minimal energy fluctuations, confirming that the complex remained structurally stable without significant energy transition throughout the simulation.Conclusions:Hesperetin may bind effectively to targets such as MMP9, JAK2, Bcl-2, and ER1, and form a stable complex with MMP9. It is suggested to influence biological processes related to lipids and signaling pathways such as atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1, thereby playing a role in heart failure intervention.
8.Sesamin induced ferroptosis in triple negative breast cancer cells through P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway
Mingmei Zhu ; Wanlu Yu ; Hongyue Xu ; Xinhua Cui ; Danping Peng ; Lu Yu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2019-2025
Objective:
To investigate the ferroptosis induced by sesamin in triple-negative breast cancer ( TNBC) 4T1 cells and its underlying mechanism .
Methods:
The binding energy of sesamin with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) , solute carrier family 7 member 11 ( SLC7A11) , and P53 was analyzed by molecular docking. Mouse TNBC cell line 4T1 was used as a model . Different concentrations of sesamin were administered to 4T1 cells . The effect of sesamin on cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) . Transwell assay was used to evaluate the effect of sesamin on cell migration and invasion . The contents of Fe2 + , malondialdehyde (MDA) , and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the cells were measured using kits . 2 ′,7 ′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe was employed to detect the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells . Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression of GPX4 , SLC7A11 , and P53 at mRNA and protein levels .
Results:
The binding energies of sesamin with GPX4 , SLC7A11 and P53 were - 21 . 46 , - 21 . 67 , and - 27 . 03 kJ/mol , respectively . Compared with the control group , the viability of 4T1 cells in different concentrations of sesamin groups decreased gradually ( P < 0. 001) , and the migration and invasion ability of 4T1 cells in 20 , 40 , and 80 μmol/L sesamin groups decreased gradually (all P < 0. 001) . Compared with the control group , the contents of Fe2 + , MDA , and ROS in 4T1 cells of 20 , 40 , and 80 μmol/L sesamin groups increased , and the content of GSH decreased . Compared with the control group , the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 in 4T1 cells in the sesamin treatment group decreased , and the mRNA and protein expression of P53 increased ( all P < 0. 001) .
Conclusion
Sesamin may induce the ferroptosis in 4T1 cells through P53/SLC7A11 /GPX4 pathway .
9.Clinical Observation of Acupoint Injection Improving Glycometabolism in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Jinlin WU ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Liu TANG ; Yizhi ZU ; Xijian ZHANG ; Danping ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1982-1989
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupoint injection on glycometabolism in patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods Eighty patients who were newly diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in our hospital were randomly allocated into two groups:a control group and a treatment group,with 40 cases in each group.The two groups were treated with dietary exercise lifestyle and dietary exercise lifestyle+acupoint injection intervention for 3 months,respectively.The basal disposition index(DI0),early-phase disposition index(DI30),and total disposition index(DI120)represented β-cell function at fasting,early phase,and 120 minutes during the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT).The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and the M value obtained from the high insulin-euglycemic clamp(HEC)test indicated insulin sensitivity.The changes in anthropometric indicators[waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),body mass index(BMI)],blood glucose and insulin levels[fasting blood glucose(Glu0),2 h post-OGTT blood glucose(Glu120),fasting insulin(Ins0),2 h post-OGTT insulin(Ins120),and glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)],sex hormones[free testosterone index(FAI),luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH)],pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity,oxidative stress[malondialdehyde(MDA),Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase(Cu/Zn SOD),glutathione peroxidase 1(GPX1)],and inflammation[interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)]were compared before and after treatment,and safety observations were conducted.Results The baseline levels of the two groups were consistent(P>0.05);after treatment,the Glu0,Ins0,HOMA-IR,MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α in the treatment group were significantly reduced compared to those observed in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while DI0,DI120,M value,Cu/Zn SOD,and GPX1 were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).However,there were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric indicators,sex hormones,and other glucose metabolism indicators(P>0.05),and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Acupoint injection can alleviate glycometabolism in patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stasis to a certain extent,improve systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory status,and provide a possible external treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine for these patients.
10.Advancements in intrauterine treatment of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma
Qingguo ZOU ; Shanshan LIU ; Danping LU ; Hongyun ZHANG ; Jiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(1):85-89
Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma(SCT)is a rare condition,but the prognosis of fetuses diagnosed with SCT prenatally is generally poor,with a mortality rate of 13% to 50%. The primary causes of death include fetal hydrops and high?output heart failure,while other causes include tumor rupture,hemorrhage,preterm labor,dystocia,or malignant teratoma invasion of surrounding tissues. For large tumors,especially those with rich blood supply or rapid growth,intrauterine treatment should be considered to prevent arteriovenous shunting,reduce tumor size,and reverse fetal heart failure and hydrops. This approach aims to allow the fetus to grow safely to a viable gestational age,after which the tumor can be completely removed by secondary surgery following cesarean delivery or natural childbirth. Currently,there are five main intrauterine treatment strategies:①Ultrasound?guided cystic teratoma aspiration:single or multiple aspirations,intrauterine continuous drainage,or prenatal aspiration;②Ultrasound?guided alcohol sclerotherapy;③Open fetal surgery;④Laser ablation:fetoscopic?guided ablation of feeding vessels of the teratoma,or ultrasound?guided laser ablation;⑤ Ultrasound?guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA).According to the literature,the latter two minimally invasive intrauterine treatment methods show better outcomes for teratomas containing solid components and are gradually becoming the mainstream treatment options.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail