1.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
2.Cross-cultural adaptation of blood donation behavior intention scale and its reliability and validity test in college students
Yuan CHEN ; Jiao XU ; Jing XIONG ; Jing XU ; Qing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):83-89
Objective: To translate the common metrics for donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention for the blood donation context (BD-ASPI) into Chinese, and to test its reliability and validity among college students. Methods: A research team was established. Following Beaton's cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, the BD-ASPI was translated, culturally adapted, and pre-tested to develop the Chinese version. Using convenience sampling, 620 students from four universities in Wuhan were surveyed form August to November 2024 to test the scale's reliability and validity. Results: The Chinese version of the scale consisted of 21 items across four dimensions: attitude towards blood donation, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention. The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.89 to 1.00, and the average scale-level content validity index was 0.984. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the second-order factor model. The Criterion validity was 0.509 (P<0.001). The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.965, with the coefficients for each dimension ranging from 0.891 to 0.974. The test-retest reliability was 0.894. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the BD-ASPI demonstrates good reliability and validity, and can serve as an effective tool for assessing the behavioral intention of voluntary blood donation among college students in China.
3.Species of sandflies and prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies in selected areas of northern and northwestern China
Yaqi HE ; Lei CUI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Limin YANG ; Yuan FANG ; Zhongqiu LI ; Zhengbin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):20-28
Objective To investigate the species of sandflies and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies from selected areas of northern and northwestern China, so as to provide insights into identification of leishmaniasis vectors and assessment of epidemiological trends of leishmaniasis in China. Methods Sandfly samples were collected from Mentougou District of Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County of Karamay District of Karamay City, Gaochang District of Turpan City in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2023 to July 2024. Approximately 100 intact female sandfly samples were randomly selected from each site and the species of sandflies was identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular assays. Female sandflies originating from the same habitat were grouped into pools of 10 individuals. Leishmania infection was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene, and the prevalence of Leishmania infection was calculated in sandflies from different sampling sites using the minimum infection rate (MIR) method. In addition, positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results A total of 6 155 sandflies were collected from different environments at sampling sites across the six aforementioned regions from July 2023 to July 2024. Phlebotomus chinensis (96.00%) was the dominant sandfly species in Mentougou District, Beijing Municipality, with a small proportion of Ph. sergenti (4.00%), and only Ph. chinensis was found in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Ph. wui was the only sandfly species detected in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Ph. caucasicus (97.70%) was the dominant sandfly species in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a small proportion of Ph. wui (2.30%), while Ph. alexandri was the only species in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A total of 40, 60, 34, 18, 18, and 22 pools of sandfly samples were tested from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Payzawat County in Kashgar City, Karamay District in Karamay City, and Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, respectively. L. infantum was detected in Ph. chinensis samples from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, and Xiangning County of Linfen City in Shanxi Province, with MIR of 0.25% to 1.00%, and L. donovani was detected in Ph. wui from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with MIR of 0.56% to 0.88%; however, no Leishmania infection was detected in Ph. caucasicus from Karamay District in Karamay City or Ph. alexandri from Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality and Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. infantum ITS-1 gene, while the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. donovani ITS-1 gene. Conclusions There are variations in sandfly species in selected areas of northern and northwestern China, and variations in the species of Leishmania infecting sandflies. Improved surveillance of sandfly vectors and targeted control strategies with adaptations to geographical features and leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.
4.Application of radiomics combined with machine learning algorithms for preoperative prediction of perineural invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma
MENG Xiangze ; YUAN Ying ; YANG Xi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):456-470
Objective:
To explore the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) radiomics combined with machine learning algorithms in the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion (PNI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), aiming to provide evidence for assisting clinical treatment decision-making.
Methods:
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. A total of 250 OSCC patients confirmed by postoperative pathology were included, comprising 128 PNI-positive and 122 PNI-negative cases. The dataset was randomly divided into training (n=175), validation (n=38), and independent testing (n=37) sets in a ratio of 7:1.5:1.5. Regions of interest were delineated on preoperative images, and radiomic features were extracted. After dimensionality reduction and feature selection using methods like Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, multiple machine learning models, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest, Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and a Stacking ensemble model, were constructed. Model performance was evaluated using metrics such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Model interpretability was analyzed using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and grouped permutation feature importance analysis.
Results :
Among the 250 samples analyzed, the LightGBM model based on radiomics demonstrated the best performance on the independent test set, with an AUC of 0.781, outperforming models like SVM (AUC = 0.730) and Random Forest (AUC = 0.691), as well as clinical models (AUCs ranging 0.549-0.711). The LightGBM model showed good calibration (Brier score 0.198), and DCA indicated high clinical net benefit over a wide threshold probability range. Paired DeLong tests revealed no statistically significant differences in AUC between the ensemble (Stacking) model and the corresponding best-performing radiomics-based model. SHAP analysis and grouped permutation feature importance analysis further indicated that the primary discriminative information for the model came from radiomic texture features.
Conclusion
The LightGBM model based on contrast-enhanced CT radiomics demonstrated good discriminative ability for preoperative prediction of PNI in OSCC. In the independent test set, it achieved the highest AUC. This model holds promise as a non-invasive auxiliary tool for preoperative risk assessment. Given the limited sample size of the independent test set, these results require further validation in larger cohorts and external datasets.
5.Expert consensus on precise intervention with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for sleep disorders in the elderly
Yuan SHAO ; Jian WANG ; Wei LIANG ; Yingli ZHANG ; Gangqiang HOU ; Xia LI ; Yi XING ; Lu WANG ; Shi TANG ; Yongjun WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):97-105
In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic approach for sleep disorders in the elderly. However, the prevailing rTMS protocols are predominantly developed based on normative neurophysiological data derived from young adults and fail to incorporate individualized parameters tailored to the brain characteristics of the elderly. To address this gap, the consensus development group synthesized the latest evidence from 2010 to 2025 and established a standardized rTMS protocol specifically for elderly patients with sleep disorders. Adhering to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework, systematically screened randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews regarding rTMS in the treatment of sleep disorders across various conditions. Meanwhile, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to rigorously grade the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. This consensus guideline delineates precise rTMS protocols for the management of sleep disorders in the elderly, highlights the adjustment of stimulation intensity according to scalp-cortex distance recommends either MRI‑guided neuronavigation or the Beam F3/F4 heuristic approach for accurate target localization, thereby providing precise rTMS intervention protocol for sleep disorders in the elderly, aiming to enhance clinical efficacy while ensuring treatment safety. [Funded by National Key Research and Development Program (number, 2023YFC3603200); General Program of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (number, JCYJ20240813112859008, JCYJ20240813112900002); Youth Program of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital (number, KN2023A004); www.guidelines-registry.cn number, PREPARE-2026CN530]
6.The Functional Study of Prostaglandin E2 via EP Receptor on Pacemaker Activity in Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Murine Colon
Hongyang GONG ; Han Yi JIAO ; Yuan CHANG ; Seok CHOI ; Chan Sik HONG ; Jae Yeoul JUN
Chonnam Medical Journal 2026;62(2):79-87
The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate spontaneous pacemaker activities responsible for producing slow waves in the gut smooth muscles. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) is one of the most important prostanoids in the gut, playing a crucial role in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Because information regarding the effects of PGE2 on colonic ICC is limited, we investigated the effects of PGE2 and its underlying signaling pathways in murine colonic ICC. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of PGE2 on mouse colonic ICC. PGE2 had a dual effect on pacemaker potential in the current-clamp mode. RT-PCR data suggested the expression of EP3 and EP4 receptors in colonic ICC. Low PGE2 concentrations induced membrane depolarization and generation of pacemaker activities. And this effect is mimicked by sulprostone (an EP3 agonist). The low PGE2 concentration-induced effect was inhibited by anoctamin-1 (ANO1) or a T-type Ca2+ channel blocker. Conversely, high PGE2 concentrations induced membrane hyperpolarization and blocked pacemaker potential generation. However, this inhibitory effect was blocked by an ATP-sensitive potassium (K ATP) channel blocker but not by other K+ channel blockers. Low concentrations of PGE2 activated EP3 receptors, leading to excitation of pacemaker activity through regulation of ANO1 and T-type Ca2+ channels in colonic ICC. In contrast, higher concentrations of PGE2 activated EP4 receptors and opened ATP-sensitive K+ channels, resulting in inhibition of pacemaker activity in colonic ICC.
7.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
8.Process optimization for recycling immune cells from discarded leukocyte filter and research on NK cell culture
Xuebing ZHOU ; Ruyi LI ; Hong YUAN ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Xu YANG ; Bairui DOU ; Lixin JIAO ; Yu HAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):846-852
Objective: To optimize the technology and process for recovering immune cells from discarded leukocyte filter through reverse flushing, and to investigate the effects of different reverse flushing solutions and physical conditions (temperature, soaking, and ultrasound) on the cell recovery rate. Additionally, to evaluate the feasibility and quality of isolating and culturing NK cells from the recovered cells. Methods: Normal saline, PBS, and PBS-EDTA were used as reverse flushing solutions to backwash the filter, and the white blood cell recovery rates were compared. The reverse flushing efficiency was optimized by adjusting the temperature of the reverse flushing solution, filter soaking treatment and ultrasonic treatment. The Ficoll separation method was employed to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the elution solution and conduct in vitro expansion and culture. Lymphocyte subsets were identified and quantified using flow cytometry. Results: The physiological saline served as the backflush fluid was the most stable. The reverse temperature had a significant impact on the recovery rate of white blood cell subgroups. The recovery rates of lymphocytes and monocytes at 37℃ were significantly higher than those at 4℃ [(35.56±5.55)% vs (22.88±0.31)%, (32.42±4.82)% vs (8.00±1.6)%, t=5.581 and 5.758, respectively, both P<0.001)], and at 25℃ [(35.56±5.55)% vs (22.42±6.13)%, t=5.904, P<0.001; (32.4±4.82)% vs (21.11±1.23)%, t=2.629, P=0.030)]. The recovery rates of white blood cell subgroups after 37℃ immersion were higher than those after direct reverse flow at 37℃, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The recovery rate of cells after ultrasonic immersion at 25℃ was further increased compared to that after immersion at 25℃, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The purity of the NK cells obtained through sorting reached (94.2±4.5)%, and the viability was (94.8±0.9)%. After 15 days of culture, the cell count was expanded approximately 450 times, yielding more than 10
/mL highly active NK cells. Conclusion: By optimizing the backflushing process, immune cells can be efficiently recovered from discarded filters. The 37℃ backflow liquid has the best backflow effect; soaking and ultrasonic treatment can be used as auxiliary methods to improve recovery rates. The NK cells from this source have high purity, good activity, and strong expansion ability, and can be used as a reliable cell source for immunotherapy research, and in line with the circular economy concept of resource reuse.
9.Effects of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms in 7-year-old children
Yujie CAO ; Xuchen LI ; Huyi TAO ; Jingjing LI ; Tao YUAN ; Linlin WANG ; Ying TIAN ; Yu GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):669-675
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. Current research suggests that environmental factors, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may be associated with an increased risk of ADHD in offspring. However, most epidemiological evidence originates from non-Chinese populations, with limited research investigating the association between prenatal PFAS and ADHD-like symptoms in Chinese school-aged children. Objective To examine the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Methods Based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort, this study included 488 mother-child pairs. PFAS were measured in maternal serum during the second trimester using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis focused on eight specific compounds from three PFAS categories [perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)]. The hyperactivity subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess ADHD-like symptoms in children at age 7. Basic demographic information was collected via questionnaires and medical records. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between individual exposures to the three typical PFAS categories (PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS) and children's ADHD-like symptoms, while the bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) mixture model was employed to assess the overall effect of PFAS mixture exposure on ADHD-like symptoms. Results The detection rates of the eight target PFAS in maternal second-trimester serum were all above 85%, with PFOA exhibiting the highest median concentration (10.21 ng·mL−1). Overall, 14.75% of the children exhibited ADHD-like symptoms. Results from the negative binomial regression models showed that second-trimester exposures to PFOA (IRR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.26), n-PFOS (IRR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.15), 6m-PFOS (IRR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.21), and 1m-PFOS (IRR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.18) were associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Stratified analyses suggested potentially statistically significant associations in girls [e.g., for PFOA, boys vs. girls: 1.09 (0.96, 1.23) vs. 1.25 (1.09, 1.44), P-int=0.31]. The BKMR mixture model indicated that the risk of ADHD-like symptoms trended upward with increasing PFAS mixture concentrations, although this association was statistically significant only among girls (P < 0.05). Conclusion Prenatal PFAS exposure may be associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children, and this adverse association appears to be more prominent in girls.
10.Establishment of Objective Indicators and Evaluation System for Excellent Shape and High Quality of Fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma
Yuchen XIAO ; Li CHI ; Honghong JIAO ; Yan JIN ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):16-26
ObjectiveThe quality of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma directly determines the efficacy of its terminal products. According to the theory of excellent shape, high quality, and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials, this study aimed to develop a novel quality evaluation system for fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma by systematically quantifying and integrating appearance traits with bioactive components. MethodsFresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples were collected from four major producing regions. After herbal textural research and a literature review, tuber weight, width, length, and aspect ratio were selected as quantitative indicators of appearance, and they were measured by an electronic balance and a digital vernier caliper. Key active components, including gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishins, and total polysaccharides, were quantified via ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Descriptive statistics and K-means clustering analysis were employed to establish the threshold ranges for the excellent shape and high quality indicators. ResultsTwo specific quantitative evaluation systems for characterizing the excellent shape and high quality of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma were established. System 1: tuber weight > 83.90 g, tuber width > 3.50 cm, total gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content > 0.277%, and total parishin content > 0.561%. System 2: tuber length < 9.89 cm, aspect ratio < 3.41, and total polysaccharide content > 195.274 mg·g-1. The verification results showed that the systems effectively identified fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples with both excellent appearance features and stable bioactive components. ConclusionThis study establishes a multi-dimensional evaluation and grading system for fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma based on the correlation between shape and quality. This framework provides a scientific basis for the quality control and resource grading of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma and lays a methodological foundation for the efficient utilization of both the medicinal and edible value of this herbal medicine.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail