1.Distribution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risk assessment of metals and metalloids in PM2.5 in a southern city in 2019
Yaxin QU ; Suli HUANG ; Chao WANG ; Jie JIANG ; Jiajia JI ; Daokui FANG ; Shaohua XIE ; Xiaoheng LI ; Ning LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):196-204
Background Metals and metalloids in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may cause damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the human body, and long-term exposure is prone to causing chronic poisoning, cancer, and other adverse effects. Objective To assess the distribution characteristics of metals and metalloids in outdoor PM2.5 in a southern city of China, conduct source apportionment, and evaluate the associated health risks, thereby providing theoretical support for further pollution control measures. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected in districts A, B, and C of a southern China city, and the concentrations of 17 metals and metalloids were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution sources were assessed through enrichment factor and principal components analysis, and the main pollution sources were quantified using absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR). Health risks were evaluated based on the Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical exposure (WS/T777—2021). Results The ambient air PM2.5 concentrations in the city were higher in winter and spring, and lower in summer and autumn. The annual average concentrations of ambient PM2.5 in districts A, B, and C were 36.7, 31.9, and 24.4 μg·m−3, respectively. The ambient PM2.5 levels in districts B and C were below the second-grade limit set by the Ambient air quality standards (GB 3095—2012). The enrichment factors of cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), and antimony (Sb) were greater than 10, those of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and molybdenum (Mo) fell between 1 and 10, and those of manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), and uranium (U) were below or equal to 1. The comprehensive evaluation of source analysis showed that the main pollution sources in districts A and C and the whole city were coal-burning. In district B, the main pollution source was also coal combustion, followed by industrial process sources and dust sources. The carcinogenic risks of As and Cr were between 1×10−6 and 1×10−4. However, the hazard quotients for 15 metals and metalloids in terms of non-carcinogenic risk were below 1. Conclusion Cr and As in the atmospheric PM2.5 of the city present a certain risk of cancer and should be paid attention to. In addition, preventive control measures should be taken against relevant pollution sources such as industrial emission, dust, and coal burning.
2.LI Candong's Experience in Treating Pediatric Diseases with Baxian Formula (八仙方)
Yang WANG ; Wen TANG ; Huijuan GAN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):556-560
Baxian Formula (八仙方) is a folk pediatric prescription in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. This paper summarized the clinical experience of Professor LI Candong in treating pediatric diseases with Baxian Formula. By analyzing the distinctive composition and theoretical underpinnings of the Baxian Formula for treating pediatric lung, liver and spleen diseases, it is considered that the formula prioritizes wind medicinals, aimed at restoring the dynamics of qi movement within the zang fu (脏腑) organs. It excels in dispelling and dispersing wind, promoting digestion, calming the mind, invigorating the spleen and draining dampness, clearing heat and soothing the liver, extinguishing wind and arresting convulsion. The prescription can treat pediatric disorders caused by pathological factors such as wind, phlegm, dampness, food, heat and constraint. Moreover, this paper summarized the clinical thinking of Baxian Formula in treating pediatric diseases of the lung system (common cold, cough, eczema), spleen system (diarrhea, food retention) and liver system (fright from external stimuli, tic disorder), aiming at providing reference for diagnosing and treating pediatric diseases in clinical practice.
3.The Effect of Modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on Cognitive Function and Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Model Rats
Naijie CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Fengsheng XU ; Shuanghong SHEN ; Zuanfang LI ; Qin CHEN ; Jin CHEN ; Runhua WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):71-78
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on chronic intermittent hypoxia cognitive function and the potential function mechanism. MethodsTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a modified Ditan Decoction group, with eight rats in each group. Rats in the modified Ditan Decoction group were administered the decoction by gavage at 14.8 ml/(kg·d), while the normal group and the model group received the same dose of normal saline. Thirty minutes after daily gavage, the rats in all three groups were placed in an intermittent hypoxia chamber. The oxygen concentration for the model group and the modified Ditan Decoction group was adjusted daily for 8 hours using a computer program to establish the model, while the normal group was exposed to the same airflow rate of ambient air. The intervention was continued for 12 weeks to establish a chronic intermittent hypoxia rat model. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate spatial working memory in the rats. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed to detect whole-brain regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC). Brain regions showing significant differences in rs-fMRI were selected for further analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to detect β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and the number of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1)-positive microglial cells. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the expression of synaptophysin (SYP), the excitatory synapse marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1), and the inhibitory synapse marker vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (VGAT). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a reduced spontaneous alternation rate in the Y-maze test. The smoothed Z-score standardized regional homogeneity (SzReHo) value in the left entorhinal cortex significantly increased, and the FC value from this seed point to the left basal forebrain significantly reduced. Additionally, the model group exhibited significantly higher Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, decreased expression of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, along with an increased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the modified Ditan Decoction group demonstrated an increased spontaneous alternation rate, a significantly reduced SzReHo value in the left entorhinal cortex, and a significantly increased FC value from this region to the left basal forebrain. Furthermore, this group showed significantly lower Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, increased levels of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, and a decreased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionModified Ditan Decoction can reconstruct the projection from the left basal forebrain to the entorhinal cortex in chronic intermittent hypoxia, thereby reducing Aβ aggregation and excessive microglial activation in the left entorhinal cortex. This process improves the excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by synaptic remodeling, ultimately enhancing cognitive function in rats of chronic intermittent hypoxia.
4.The road to legal construction of ethical governance of deceased organ donation
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):59-66
The rule of law is the fundamental approach to governance in modern states. The ethical issues arising from deceased organ donation activities have attracted high social attention. In order to ensure that deceased organ donation is in line with the interests and moral standards of the public, it is not enough to provide ethical guidance for the development of the organ donation cause through reflection alone. It is necessary to apply the concept of the rule of law, legal rules and procedural norms to the ethical governance of deceased organ donation. The newly revised "Regulations on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation" have established ethical guidelines that organ donation must follow, such as "benefit, do no harm, respect for life, fairness and justice, and compliance with laws and public order", as well as five major principles that must be adhered to in conducting ethical reviews of organ procurement, such as "voluntary and unpaid, informed consent, risk control, fairness and justice, and privacy protection". Faced with the increasing number of deceased organ donation cases and the ethical challenges they pose, it is recommended to establish a "National Human Organ Donation Ethics Committee," clarify the definition and judgment criteria of death from a legal perspective as soon as possible, and create an effective ethical risk monitoring and supervision mechanism. Continuously promote the progress of the organ donation within the legal framework, and effectively safeguard the public interest and basic rights.
5.A survival prediction model for kidney graft based on the kidney donor profile index, time-zero biopsy and donor’s age
Chengxi JIANG ; Shunliang YANG ; Xia GAO ; Liqian WU ; Jiashu LIU ; Dong WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):122-130
Objective To construct a predictive model for the survival of transplant kidneys after kidney transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 366 kidney transplant recipients and donors were retrospectively analyzed, and the recipients were divided into low-risk group (n=101), medium-risk group (n=189), and high-risk group (n=76) based on the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). Each group was further divided into Remuzzi score ≤3 group and Remuzzi score >3 group based on time-zero biopsy Remuzzi scores. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival of transplant kidneys. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors affecting long-term survival after kidney transplantation. A predictive model for transplant kidney survival was established and a nomogram was drawn. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Results The median KDPI was 65%, and the median Remuzzi score was 3. The 5-year survival rate of transplant kidneys was 83.5%. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that in the KDPI medium-risk and KDPI high-risk groups, the subgroup with lower Remuzzi score had a higher survival rates of transplant kidneys than the subgroup with higher Remuzzi score. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that KDPI, Remuzzi score, and donor’s age were independent risk factors for transplant kidney loss (all P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of the nomogram prediction model established based on independent risk factors for the 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates of transplant kidneys were 0.91, 0.93 and 0.94 for the training set, and 0.89, 0.85 and 0.88 for the validation set. Calibration curves shows good consistency between the training and validation sets of the model. Conclusions The nomogram predictive model based on KDPI, time-zero biopsy Remuzzi score and donor’s age has good predictive value for transplant kidney survival.
6.Study on the pharmacological effects and mechanism of Gegen-Zhimu herb pair in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS metabolomics strategy
Liang CHAO ; Hui WANG ; Shuqi SHEN ; Piaoxue YOU ; Kaihong JI ; Zhanying HONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):30-40
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Puerariae lobatae radix (PLR) and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR) in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and explore its potential mechanism of action by LC-MS serum metabolomics strategy. Methods The AD rat model was established by administering aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-gal) for 20 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine intervention group was given the PLR, AR, and PLR-AR extracts for 8 weeks by gavage. The model effect and efficacy were evaluated by Morris water maze test and biochemical indicators including SOD, NO, and MDA; Metabolomics research based on the UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS method was conducted, and relevant metabolic pathways were analyzed through the MetaboAnalyst online website. Results The learning and memory abilities of AD model rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group, and the levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxides were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the SOD content was decreased considerably (P<0.01). The learning and memory abilities of AD model rats were improved, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels were reversed, and serum SOD content was increased significantly after the intervention of PLR-AR, with better effects than single drugs. Through metabolomics, 70 differential metabolites were identified between the AD model group and the control group, mainly involving 10 pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, et.al. The intervention of PLR-AR could adjust 47 metabolites, with 20 metabolites showing significant differences (P<0.05). The significantly adjusted metabolites involve 6 pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, et al. Conclusion The combination of PLR and AR could significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of AD rat models. The mechanism may be related to the improvement of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels, the increase of serum SOD content, and the regulation of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways.
7.Research progress on Sophora Flavescens of traditional Chinese medicine
Mengxiao LIU ; Linlin CHEN ; Yan WANG ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):156-162
Sophora Flavescens is the dried root of the leguminous plant Sophora Flavescens Ait. It was first published in Shen Nong's Herbal Classic. Sophora Flavescens contains a variety of active ingredients, mainly including matrine and oxymatrine, with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-arrhythmia, disease-resistant pathogenic microorganisms and other pharmacological effects. Clinically, the compound preparations of Sophora Flavescens include Compound KuShen injection and KuShen gel and so on, which can be used to treat many types of cancers and improve skin, mucous pruritus, pain and other symptoms. Due to the poor bioavailability, the structure of matrine needs to be reformed. MASM, matrine derivative, only needs a low concentration to have a good therapeutic effect on sepsis and liver fibrosis. In this article, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, compound preparations and structural modification of matrine were mainly discussed, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Sophora Flavescens and the development of new drugs.
8.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of matrine and its derivatives
Gongjia TAO ; Linlin CHEN ; Zecheng SONG ; Mengxiao LIU ; Yan WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):163-168
Matrine is an alkaloid compound isolated and extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Sophora flavescens, which has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral effects. However, its clinical application has been limited due to its low in vivo activity, short duration of efficacy, and significant toxic side effects. In response to this challenge,pharmaceutical experts modified the structure of Matrine to obtain derivatives that addressed its limitations. Currently, research on the anti-tumor effects of Matrine and its derivatives is more prevalent, while research in inflammatory-related diseases still needs further strengthening.The progress on the role and mechanism of Matrine and its derivatives in inflammatory diseases were summarized in this paper, which offered valuable insights for the development of therapeutic agents based on Matrine.
9.Research progress on impact of micro/nanoplastics exposure on reproductive health
Yan HUANG ; Yuanyuan HUANG ; Yanxi ZHUO ; Yiqin LIN ; Qipeng LI ; Xiaofeng ZHENG ; Wenxiang WANG ; Yuchen LI ; Wenya SHAO ; Henggui CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):490-496
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), recognized as emerging environmental pollutants, are widely distributed in natural environments. Due to their small particle size and significant migratory capacity, MNPs can infiltrate diverse environmental matrices, then invade and accumulate in the organism via the skin, respiration, and digestion. Recently, concerns have grown over the detrimental effects and potential toxicity of MNPs on reproductive health. This review summarized published epidemiological and toxicological studies related to MNPs exposure and their effects on reproductive health. Firstly, this review critically examined the current landscape of epidemiological evidence and found that MNPs (e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, etc.) are present in various biological specimens from both males and females, and their presence may be associated with an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Secondly, extensive toxicological studies revealed that MNPs exposure induces reproductive health damage through mechanisms such as disrupting the microstructure of reproductive organs and altering molecular-level expressions. Oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis are identified as potential links between MNPs exposure and reproductive damage. Finally, this review addressed the prevalent shortcomings in existing studies and proposed future directions to tackle the challenges posed by MNPs-induced reproductive harm. These insights aim to inform strategies for safeguarding public reproductive health and ecological security, providing a scientific foundation for mitigating risks associated with MNPs pollution.
10.Effect of zerotime exercise intervention on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior among college students
WANG Jingsong, FU Rao, WANG Shen, LI Chuangtao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):504-508
Objective:
To explore the effects of a zerotime exercise (ZTEx) intervention on physical activity levels and sedentary behavior among college students, providing evidence for improving physical activity and reducing sedentary habits.
Methods:
In September 2023, 45 sedentary college students from a university in Fuzhou were recruited and randomly assigned to either the ZTEx group (23 students) or the control group (22 students) according to a random number table method. ZTEx group received two ZTEx focus group meetings for 3 months, while the control group received safety and health education. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a threeaxis accelerometer were used to evaluate the sedentary and physical activity levels of college students. At the same time, evaluations related to physical health and psychological questionnaires were completed. Mixed effects analysis of variance and nonparametric tests were used to statistically analyze the physical health, psychological questionnaire, and sedentary and physical activity data of the college students.
Results:
Postintervention, the ZTEx group showed significant improvements in the duration of lowintensity physical activity [pretest(1 492.78±369.50)min; posttest(1 918.93±354.63)min] and the number of sedentary interruptions [pretest(45.26±13.69)times; posttest(73.78±16.74)times]; grip strength [pretest(28.77±9.23)kg; posttest(31.78±8.00)kg]; sitting up continuously for 30 seconds [pretest(22.52±4.90)times; posttest(26.96±4.87)times]; general selfefficacy [pretest(26.52±4.14)points; posttest(32.96±5.24)points]; body composition summary [pretest(66.44±4.83)points; posttest(72.62±4.88)points]; and psychological composition summary [pretest(61.21±9.88)points; posttest(63.98±9.57)points], while reducing sedentary time [pretest(3 694.28±687.56)min; posttest(2 865.90±493.81)min] in the past 7 days, the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The control group exhibited no significant changes(P>0.05).
Conclusion
ZTEx effectively improve the lowintensity physical activity, increases sedentary breaks, and reduces prolonged sitting among college students, fostering healthier habits and improving physical/mental wellbeing.


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