Background Metals and metalloids in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) 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 PM_2.5 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 PM_2.5 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 PM_2.5 concentrations in the city were higher in winter and spring, and lower in summer and autumn. The annual average concentrations of ambient PM_2.5 in districts A, B, and C were 36.7, 31.9, and 24.4 μg·m⁻³, respectively. The ambient PM_2.5 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 PM_2.5 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.

Objective: To investigate the changing trends for associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for preventing smartphone addiction in middle school students. Methods: From 2022 to 2023, a method of combining convenient sampling with cluster sampling was used to select 8 923 middle school students from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen City between September 2022 (baseline, T1) and September 2023 (follow up, T2). The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Patients Health Questionnaire-9 Item (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7) were administered to assess smartphone addiction, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Mixed effects models were used to analyze the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students. Results: From September 2022 to September 2023, the reported prevalence of smartphone addiction increased from 24.22% to 25.25% ( χ 2=45.71); and smartphone addiction scores [ 24.00 (16.00, 32.00),25.00(16.00, 33.00)], anxiety symptom scores [2.00(0.00, 7.00),3.00(0.00, 7.00)] and depressive symptom scores[3.00(0.00, 8.00),5.00(0.00, 9.00)] all significantly increased ( Z =-17.43, -42.38, -41.57) (all P <0.05). There were statistically significant difference in the distribution of anxiety and depression symptom levels among middle school students in 2022 and 2023 ( χ 2=85.15, 106.85, both P <0.05). After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender and family background, mixed effects models revealed dose response associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students:mild anxiety symptom( OR =3.22), moderate to severe anxiety symptom ( OR =5.36), mild depressive symptom ( OR =3.32) and moderate to severe depressive symptom ( OR =6.13) were significantly associated with higher risks of smartphone addiction (all P <0.05). Interaction effect analysis found that co existing anxiety and depressive symptoms synergistically increased addiction risk by 5.60 times ( OR =5.60) compared to the asymptomatic group, with 32% of the combined risk attributable to their interaction ( S=1.64, AP =0.32)(both P < 0.05 ). Conclusions Anxiety and depressive symptoms are significantly associated with smartphone addiction, exhibiting a synergistic effect. Attention should be paid to emotional issues and smartphone addiction among middle school students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Qingda Granule (QDG) in ameliorating hypertension-induced cardiac damage and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to develope a hypertension-induced cardiac damage model. Another 10 Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as normotension group. Rats were administrated intragastrically QDG [0.9 g/(kg•d)] or an equivalent volume of pure water for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, histopathological changes, cardiac function, levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were measured. Furthermore, to gain insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QDG against hypertension-induced cardiac injury, a network pharmacology study was conducted. Predicted results were validated by Western blot, radioimmunoassay immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of QDG resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure levels in SHRs (P<0.01). Histological examinations, including hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining revealed that QDG effectively attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac damage. Furthermore, echocardiography demonstrated that QDG improved hypertension-associated cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method indicated that QDG significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels in both myocardial tissue and serum (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both network pharmacology and experimental investigations confirmed that QDG exerted its beneficial effects in decreasing hypertension-induced cardiac damage by regulating the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor type 1 axis and ACE/Ang II/Ang II receptor type 2 axis.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Hypertension/pathology* ; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects* ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Myocardium/pathology* ; Rats ; Inflammation/pathology*

Objective To investigate the value of CT perfusion imaging (CTP) combined with serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/arachidonic acid (AA) in predicting hemorrhage transformation and short-term prognosis after thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with leukoaraiosis. Methods Ninety-eight AIS patients with leukoaraiosis admitted to the department of neurology of our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into the hemorrhage transformation group and non-hemorrhage transformation group according to whether hemorrhage transformation occurred after thrombolysis. The Fazekas scale was used to evaluate the leukoaraiosis of the patients. CTP parameters and EPA/AA were compared between patients in the two groups and patients with different degrees of leukoaraiosis in the hemorrhage transformation group. The predictive value of CTP parameters and EPA/AA on the occurrence of hemorrhage transformation was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The prognosis was assessed according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 1 month after thrombolysis;the linear and linear combinations are used to evaluate the linear relationship between variables;the ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of CTP parameters and EPA/AA in the short-term prognosis of patients. Results The reactive cerebral blood flow (rCBF),reactive cerebral blood volume (rCBV),CTP integration index and EPA/AA in the hemorrhage transformation group were significantly lower than those in the non-hemorrhage transformation group (P<0.05),while the relative time to peak (rTTP) was significantly longer than that in the non-hemorrhage transformation group (P<0.05). The incidence of hemorrhage transformation increased with the increase of leukoaraiosis degree (P<0.05). In the hemorrhage transformation group,rCBF,rCBV,CTP integration index and EPA/AA of patients with mild leukoaraiosis were higher than those of patients with moderate-severe leukoaraiosis (P<0.05). In patients with mild leukoaraiosis,the area under the curve (AUC) of rCBF and EPA/AA in predicting hemorrhage transforma-tion were 0.712 and 0.720,respectively (P<0.05);in patients with moderate-severe leukoaraiosis,the AUC of rCBF,rCBV,rTTP,CTP integration index and EPA/AA in predicting hemorrhage transformation were 0.738,0.714,0.717,0.739 and 0.742,respectively (P<0.05). Among the 98 patients received thrombolysis,35 patients had a poor prognosis. The AUC of rCBF,rCBV,CTP integration index and EPA/AA in predicting short-term prognosis were 0.742,0.732,0.704 and 0.738,respectively,and the AUC of the four combined prediction was 0.968. Conclusion CTP parameters and EPA/AA have a certain predictive value for the occurrence of hemorrhage transformation after thrombolysis in AIS patients with leukoaraiosis,and rCBV,rCBF,CTP integration index and EPA/AA are important influencing factors of the short-term prognosis for these patients.

Objective:To investigate the association between blood selenium levels and sex hormones in Chinese men aged 18-79 years.Methods:Data were derived from the China National Human Biomonitoring survey conducted in 2017-2018, with a final sample size of 5 414 men. General demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and dietary frequency were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood lead, serum testosterone, and estradiol levels. Complex sampling linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone, estradiol, and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, adjusting for confounding factors including age, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, seafood intake, soy product intake, protein supplement intake, BMI, and diabetes status.Results:The mean age of the 5 414 participants was (46.85±27.91) years; 4 774 (91.65%) were of Han ethnicity and 4 505 (86.68%) were married. The median ( Q1, Q3) blood selenium concentration in men was 97.80 (80.64, 116.99) μg/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, the complex sampling linear regression model revealed negative associations between blood selenium levels and both testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, with a significant linear trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Compared with the Q1 group, the β (95% CI) values for testosterone in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), -0.03 (-0.08 to 0.01), and -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.02), respectively. Similarly, the β (95% CI) values for the testosterone/estradiol ratio in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.02), -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.04), and -0.03 (-0.06 to -0.01), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone/estradiol levels in non-smoking and obese men (BMI≥28 kg/m2). Conclusion:Blood selenium levels are negatively associated with testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio in Chinese adult males.

Objective:To explore the association of blood and urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels and dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79 years.Methods:Based on the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) program, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2017 to 2018 using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, including a total of 10 713 adults aged 18 to 79 years. Data was obtained through questionnaires, physical examinations, biological sample collection, and laboratory testing. Multiple linear mixed effect model (MLMM) and generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) were used to analyze the association of blood and creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels as well as dyslipidemia among adults.Results:The age of 10 713 participants was (47.23±0.24) years, with 5 372 males accounting for 61.3% of the national population. The weighted mean±standard error (SE) of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was (5.21±0.03), (1.86±0.03), (2.96±0.03), and (1.43±0.01) mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence rate of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, low HDL-C, and high LDL-C was 16.0%, 21.6%, 6.6%, 13.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. MLMM showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounders, log-transformed blood cadmium levels were positively associated with increased levels of TC, TG and LDL-C ( P<0.05). When blood cadmium levels were categorized into quartiles, compared to the lowest exposure group ( Q1), participants in the highest blood cadmium exposure group ( Q4) had increases of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.32) mmol/L in TC and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.43) mmol/L in TG. GLMM indicated that, after adjusting for confounders, higher blood cadmium exposure levels were associated with increased risks of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and high LDL-C ( P<0.05). Further analysis by quartiles showed that, compared to the blood cadmium Q1 exposure group, the OR value (95% CI) for the Q4 group was 1.53 (1.12, 2.08) for hypercholesterolemia, 1.54 (1.09, 2.17) for hypertriglyceridemia, 2.24 (1.47, 3.40) for mixed hyperlipidemia, and 1.49 (1.07, 2.09) for high LDL-C. Conclusion:The cadmium internal exposure levels are associated with blood lipid profile levels as well as the incidence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79.

Objective:To introduce the research and innovations around the application of aquatic rehabilitation techniques in the treatment of lumbago, and to summarize specific methods and applications in aeromedicine. Literature resource and selection Literature on the prevention and treatment of lumbago using aquatic rehabilitation techniques as well as on the rehabilitation of lumbago in pilots was retrieved and selected. Literature quotation Sixty-one references were cited. Literature synthesis Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can be classified into shower therapy, immersion therapy, and aquatic exercise therapy according to treatment regimens. Among them, immersion therapy and aquatic exercise therapy are commonly used in the treatment of lumbago. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can effectively alleviate patients′ lumbago, improve their functional disorders, and enhance their quality of life. Prior to aquatic therapy, patients with lumbago need to have their motor function assessed to tailor the treatment protocol based on diagnostic findings and specific therapeutic objectives. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques, when used to prevent and treat lumbago in pilots under convalescence, are not only more effective than land-based training, but also more accessible to pilots due to their comfort and compliance. Many of our military rehabilitation and convalescent centers in China have integrated modern aquatic rehabilitation techniques into rehabilitation treatment by drawing on their rich water resources so as to improve the physical and mental health, social adaptability and military adaptability of pilots. Conclusions:When used for the prevention and treatment of lumbago, aquatic rehabilitation techniques are highly effective, safe and enjoyable, so they should be made more accessible to pilots during convalescence.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rb3 on experimental periodontitis and bone resorption in rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a ligation group, an Rb3 group, and a doxycycline (Dox) group for in vivo experiments. A periodontitis model was established by ligating the maxillary second molar, and samples were collected after 3 weeks of drug treatment. Micro-CT assessment of alveolar bone resorption was performed, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in periodontal and visceral tissues. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was applied to detect the formation of osteoclasts in periodontal tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to detect the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, immunoglobulin (Ig)M, and IgG. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to detect the expression of factors related to gingival inflammation and osteoclast formation. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) expression. In vitro experiments were conducted by pretreating RAW264.7 cells with drugs and adding lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression was detected by qPCR, and Western blot was used to detect the effect of Rb3 on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the ligation group showed significant periodontitis and bone resorption. Compared with the ligation group, the Rb3 group showed a decrease in alveolar bone resorption and osteoclast formation; p-ERK/ERK ratio, IL-1β, IL-6, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) mRNA levels and downstream gene expression in periodontal tissues; serum IL-6, IL-8, IgG, and IgM levels. Rb3 reduced IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA expression levels and p-ERK/ERK and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratios in RAW264.7 cells induced by P. gingivalis LPS stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Rb3 inhibits inflammation and bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats. Compared with Dox, Rb3 has better effects in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors and osteoclast gene expression and may exert anti-inflammatory effects by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals ; Ginsenosides/therapeutic use* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Periodontitis/pathology* ; Rats ; Osteoclasts/drug effects* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Mice ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; Interleukin-8/blood* ; Immunoglobulin G/blood* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Transcription Factors

Objective To compare the effectiveness of femoral neck system(FNS)and inverted triangle cannulated screws(ITCS)in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 106 young and middle-aged patients who had been surgically treated for femoral neck fracture at our hospital from December 2020 to June 2022.The patients were assigned to FNS group(57 cases)or ITCS group(49 cases)according to the different internal fixations.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency,intraoperative blood loss,extra assisted reduction procedures(Kirschner wire prying reduction or open reduction),hospital stays,healing time,complications,postoperative recovery,and follow-up duration were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time,fluoroscopy frequency,and healing time in the FNS group were less than those in the ITCS group(P<0.001).The shortening degree and length of femoral neck in moderate and severe patients of the FNS group were lower than those of the ITCS group(P<0.001).The Harris score of the FNS group was higher than that of the ITCS group 12 months after surgery(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,reduction assistance,Garden index,or hospital stays between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion FNS is a better choice for internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures than ITCS,with faster recovery and less postoperative complications.

Objective To compare the effectiveness of femoral neck system(FNS)and inverted triangle cannulated screws(ITCS)in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 106 young and middle-aged patients who had been surgically treated for femoral neck fracture at our hospital from December 2020 to June 2022.The patients were assigned to FNS group(57 cases)or ITCS group(49 cases)according to the different internal fixations.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency,intraoperative blood loss,extra assisted reduction procedures(Kirschner wire prying reduction or open reduction),hospital stays,healing time,complications,postoperative recovery,and follow-up duration were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time,fluoroscopy frequency,and healing time in the FNS group were less than those in the ITCS group(P<0.001).The shortening degree and length of femoral neck in moderate and severe patients of the FNS group were lower than those of the ITCS group(P<0.001).The Harris score of the FNS group was higher than that of the ITCS group 12 months after surgery(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,reduction assistance,Garden index,or hospital stays between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion FNS is a better choice for internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures than ITCS,with faster recovery and less postoperative complications.