1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Related Signaling Pathways to Prevent and Control Breast Cancer and Precancerous Lesions: A Review
Yifei ZENG ; Di ZHAO ; Junyue WANG ; Mengjie WANG ; Yubo GUO ; Yu ZHOU ; Dongxiao ZHANG ; Wenjie ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):290-301
Breast cancer has become the malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate among women, seriously threatening the life and health of women all over the world. The pathogenic factors and development mechanisms of breast cancer are complex and diverse. The development of breast cells from ordinary hyperplasia to atypical hyperplasia, and from pre-cancerous lesions to cancerous lesions, is a long-term progressive process. Therefore, early screening and prevention of breast cancer is particularly important. Western medicine has a relatively mature treatment program for breast cancer, which is mainly based on surgery and systemic treatment, whereas the ensuing complications and adverse reactions often bring a heavy burden to patients. For the precancerous lesions of breast cancer, surgery is also the mainstay of treatment. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has increasingly highlighted its advantages in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Increasing studies have shown that in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, TCM compound prescriptions, single herbs or herb pairs, and active components are able to regulate a variety of intracellular signaling pathways through multi-targets to inhibit the proliferation and invasion, promote the apoptosis and autophagy of tumor cells, and regulate the cell cycle and the immune microenvironment, thus exerting anti-tumor effects. At the same time, they can significantly attenuate the toxic side effects of radiotherapy and drug resistance of patients. However, the specific mechanisms of TCM in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and precancerous lesions have not been fully clarified. The available studies are tanglesome regarding the TCM inhibition of tumor development through the regulation of classical signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, which still need to be verified by a large number of clinical and experimental studies. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and precancerous lesions by TCM through interfering with the relevant signaling pathways in recent years, aiming to summarize the possible mechanisms of TCM in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and provide references for subsequent studies.
2.Association of 24 hour physical activity index with screening myopia and obesity in school aged children
ZHOU Keyi, LIU Su, MAIHELIYAKEZI Tuersunniyazi, GUO Manyu, YU Hongjie, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):203-207
Objective:
To develop a 24 hour physical activity index for school aged children, and to analyze the association of 24 hour physical activity index with screening myopia and obesity, so as to provide a more effective assessment tool for student health risk screening.
Methods:
From April to June 2024, a total of 451 students in Grades 3-4 from two monitored primary schools in Shanghai were selected using stratified cluster random sampling method. Data on eight core indicators, including daily moderate to vigorous physical activity time, total physical activity time, outdoor activity time, screen time, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, social jetlag and daytime sleepiness, were collected through questionnaires and accelerometer monitoring. Each indicator was standardized and synthesized into a 0-80 point school aged children s 24 hour physical activity index. Spearman correlation analysis and t-test were used to assess consistency between questionnaire and accelerometer derived indices. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the association of strength of the composite index with single behavior indicators in screening myopia and overweight/obesity.
Results:
The compliance rates were higher for moderate to vigorous physical activity time and screen time (50.8%, 98.7%), while the compliance rate for outdoor activity time was only 42.6%, and that for sufficient sleep duration was merely 10.2%. There was no significant difference between the total scores derived from the questionnaire and accelerometer methods (45.13±5.83, 45.05±6.87, t=0.29, P >0.05), but they showed a strong positive correlation ( r=0.58, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that adjusting for individual behaviors such as grade, gender and both parents being myopic, among single behavior indicators of 24 hour physical activity index, only insufficient outdoor activity time was significantly associated with screening myopia among school aged children ( OR=1.50, 95%CI =1.01-2.21); the detection risk of screening myopia and obesity in the low index group were higher than those in the high index group ( OR=2.47, 95%CI =1.02-5.96; OR=16.63,95%CI = 5.99- 46.20) (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The developed 24 hour physical activity index for school aged children demonstrates good measurement accuracy and shows stronger associations with screening myopia and obesity than single behavior indicator.
3.Mechanisms of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Toxic Chinese Herbal Medicinals and Compatibility-Based Detoxification Strategies from the Perspective of the "Liver Aversion to Acute Irritation" Theory
Xiang LI ; Liuyang GUO ; Zhichao YU ; Xueping ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):487-491
This study establishes an integrated research paradigm based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, guided by pathological characteristics, centered on formula compatibility principles, and supported by multidisciplinary technologies, to systematically analyze the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by toxic Chinese herbal medicinals and strategies for reducing toxicity through compatibility. The findings revealed that the pathomechanism aligns closely with the "liver aversion to acute irritation" theory from Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》). The core pathology involves an imbalance between liver's form and function, which is characterized by malnourishment of liver form due to yin-blood depletion and dysfunction in ascending-dispersing and free-flowing activities, and closely linked to modern pathological mechanisms such as microcirculatory disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, metabolic disorder and gut-liver axis dysregulation. Based on this, a multi-layered compatibility strategy for toxicity reduction is put forward, which involves using sweet medicinals to alleviate urgency, balancing the liver form and its function, and pre-regulating other organs. This provides a theoretical basis for the safe application of toxic Chinese herbal medicinals.
4.Constructing a model of degenerative scoliosis using finite element method:biomechanical analysis in etiology and treatment
Kai HE ; Wenhua XING ; Shengxiang LIU ; Xianming BAI ; Chen ZHOU ; Xu GAO ; Yu QIAO ; Qiang HE ; Zhiyu GAO ; Zhen GUO ; Aruhan BAO ; Chade LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):572-578
BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.
5.Laboratory Diagnosis and Molecular Epidemiological Characterization of the First Imported Case of Lassa Fever in China.
Yu Liang FENG ; Wei LI ; Ming Feng JIANG ; Hong Rong ZHONG ; Wei WU ; Lyu Bo TIAN ; Guo CHEN ; Zhen Hua CHEN ; Can LUO ; Rong Mei YUAN ; Xing Yu ZHOU ; Jian Dong LI ; Xiao Rong YANG ; Ming PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):279-289
OBJECTIVE:
This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF.
METHODS:
Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus.
RESULTS:
LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response.
CONCLUSION
The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Genome, Viral
;
Lassa Fever/virology*
;
Lassa virus/classification*
;
Molecular Epidemiology
;
Phylogeny
6.Homocysteine Levels and Determinants among Chinese Women at Mid-pregnancy, Late Pregnancy, and Postpartum.
Zhen Yu GUO ; Hong Tian LI ; Yi Rui MA ; Ying MENG ; Yu Bo ZHOU ; Jian Meng LIU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):459-468
OBJECTIVE:
Data on homocysteine (Hcy) status and its determinants are limited among women during pregnancy and postpartum. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate Hcy levels during pregnancy and postpartum, and to explore the determinants like geographic factor.
METHODS:
This study was conducted in women at mid-pregnancy, late-pregnancy and postpartum from southern, central and northern China. Approximately 132 women were included in each stratum by the three phases and regions. Plasma Hcy concentrations were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with hyperhomocysteinemia defined as > 10.0 µmol/L. Quantile regression was to estimate medians and interquartile ranges ( IQRs), and logistic regression to examine the determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia.
RESULTS:
For 1,190 women included, the median (IQR) Hcy concentration was 5.66 (4.62, 7.37) μmol/L. The adjusted median in mid-pregnancy, late-pregnancy and postpartum women was 4.75 (4.13, 5.54), 5.72 (4.81, 6.85) and 7.09 (5.65, 8.75) μmol/L, respectively, showing an increasing trend ( P < 0.001). This increasing trend persisted across the three regions. Higher Hcy concentrations were observed in women residing in northern region and those with younger age or lower economic status. A total of 106 (8.9%) women had hyperhomocysteinemia, with a higher prevalence in those residing in northern region (16.0%), or in postpartum women (16.5%).
CONCLUSION
Hcy levels, varying with geographic region, maternal age and economic status, are increased from mid-pregnancy to late-pregnancy and postpartum, indicating a need to monitor Hcy levels in pregnant and postpartum women to control potential risks related to elevated Hcy levels.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Homocysteine/blood*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Adult
;
Postpartum Period/blood*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Hyperhomocysteinemia/blood*
;
Young Adult
;
Pregnancy Trimester, Third/blood*
;
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
;
East Asian People
7.The Disease Burden of Asthma in China, 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2050: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021.
Rui Yi ZHANG ; Miao Miao ZHANG ; Yu Chang ZHOU ; Jia Huan GUO ; Xuan Kai WANG ; Mai Geng ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):529-538
OBJECTIVE:
Asthma imposes a significant global health burden. This study examines changes in the asthma-related disease burden from 1990 to 2021 and projects future burdens for 2050 under different scenarios.
METHODS:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. We projected the disease burden for 2050 based on current trends and hypothetical scenarios in which all risk factors are controlled. Temporal trends in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates were explored using Annual Percent Change.
RESULTS:
In 2021, the age-standardized rates for asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs in China were 364.17 per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval [ UI]: 283.22-494.10), 1,956.49 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1,566.68-2,491.87), 1.47 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.15-1.79), and 103.76 per 100,000 (95% UI: 72.50-145.46), respectively. A higher disease burden was observed among Chinese men and individuals aged 70 years or older. Compared to the current trend, a combined scenario involving improvements in environmental factors, behavioral and metabolic health, child nutrition, and vaccination resulted in a greater reduction in the disease burden caused by asthma.
CONCLUSION
Addressing modifiable risk factors is essential for further reducing the asthma-related disease burden.
Humans
;
Asthma/mortality*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Young Adult
;
Infant
;
Cost of Illness
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Prevalence
;
Incidence
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Risk Factors
8.Association between PM 2.5 Chemical Constituents and Preterm Birth: The Undeniable Role of Preconception H19 Gene Variation.
Ya Long WANG ; Pan Pan SUN ; Xin Ying WANG ; Jun Xi ZHANG ; Xiang Yu YU ; Jian CHAI ; Ruo DU ; Wen Yi LIU ; Fang Fang YU ; Yue BA ; Guo Yu ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1016-1022
9.Expression of SORT1 in Gastric Cancer Tissue and Its Effect on Gastric Cancer Cell Biology.
Lin-Yu XIAO ; Ting DUAN ; Yong-Sheng XIA ; Yue CHEN ; Xing-Zhou YAN ; Jian-Guo HU
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(3):343-353
Objective To investigate the expression of SORT1 in the gastric cancer tissue and analyze its relationship with clinical prognosis of patients as well as the pathways and mechanisms involved in gastric cancer progression.Methods The Gene Expression Profiling Interaction Analysis database,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry were employed to predict and analyze the expression of SORT1 in the gastric cancer and the adjacent tissue.The clinical case information of 109 patients who underwent radical surgery for gastric cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University from April 2015 to April 2017 was collected to analyze the relationship of SORT1 with the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the patients.Cell proliferation was detected by the CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay,while cell migration and invasion were assessed by the scratch assay and Transwell assay,respectively.Western blot was employed to determine the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in gastric cancer cells,followed by further analysis on molecular mechanism through which SORT1 regulates EMT in gastric cancer cells.Results Western blot and immunocytochemistry results showed that SORT1 was highly expressed in the gastric cancer tissue(P=0.003,P<0.001),which was positively correlated with malignant progression of tumors(all P<0.05).The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed shortened postoperative survival periods for the patients with high expression of SORT1(P<0.001).The Cox regression model indicated that SORT1 expression was an independent risk factor affecting the 5-year survival rate after surgery for gastric cancer patients(P<0.001).Up-regulation of SORT1 expression promoted the proliferation,migration,invasion,and EMT of gastric cancer cells(all P<0.05),while down-regulation of SORT1 showed the opposite effects(all P<0.05).Western blot results showed that high expression of SORT1 promoted the expression of β-catenin,cyclin D1,and c-Myc(all P<0.05).Moreover,in vitro use of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor(XAV939)effectively suppressed the EMT enhancement caused by high expression of SORT1 in gastric cancer cells(all P<0.05).Conclusions SORT1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and affects patients' postoperative survival periods.It is involved in the proliferation,migration,and invasion of gastric cancer cells and may promote the EMT of gastric cancer cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Humans
;
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
;
Cell Movement
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
10.Research progress in online monitoring technologies for workplace dust concentration
Qiangzhi GUO ; Yuntao MU ; Jinning YU ; Chuntao GE ; Chen WANG ; Zhiguo ZHOU ; Xue JIANG ; Yazhen WANG ; Jinling LIU ; Di LIU ; Shibiao SU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(4):472-476
Occupational pneumoconiosis remains the most common occupational disease in China, with occupational mineral dust exposure being its primary causative factor. Although national standards for online monitoring and early warning systems of coal mine dust concentrations have been established, national occupational health standards for rapid and online monitoring of dust concentration and particle size distribution in other industries are still limited. Among dust concentration sensor technologies, the light scattering method is the preferred choice for online dust monitoring owing to its wide measurement range and low cost. The beta-ray absorption method is mature but highly sensitive to humidity. The electrostatic induction method offers high sensitivity, simple structure, and low maintenance costs but exhibits high errors in low-concentration dust monitoring. The tapered element oscillating microbalance method is highly sensitive but costly. Multi-sensor data fusion technology can improve monitoring reliability, however, mature domestic products are not yet available. For monitoring dust particle size distribution, sieving and sedimentation methods are cumbersome. The aerodynamic method shows broad prospects in the online monitoring of respirable dust but has obvious measurement errors for larger dust particles. The use of optical measurement method is limited by dust morphology and is not suitable for monitoring coal dust particle size distribution. The electrical mobility method is primarily applicable to submicron dust. Future research should focus on promoting the application of monitoring technology for respirable dust particle size distribution in online monitoring of industrial dust. By integrating Internet of Things, data mining, and artificial intelligence technologies, along with multi-sensor data fusion and numerical simulation, dust concentration prediction models can be established to achieve accurate dust concentration monitoring and early warning of exceedances. The advancements of technologies will provide scientific support for the assessment of industrial dust hazards and the prevention and control of occupational pneumoconiosis.


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