2.Risk of Hospitalization for Genitourinary System Diseases Following Exposure to Cold Spells.
Qing Hua SUN ; Chen CHEN ; Jie BAN ; Han Shuo ZHANG ; Jing Yi SUN ; Hang DU ; Tian Tian LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1369-1377
OBJECTIVE:
To assess relationships between cold spells and genitourinary hospitalization risk.
METHODS:
Hospitalization records for genitourinary system diseases (GUDs) from 16 districts in Beijing (2013-2018) were analyzed. Cold spells were defined based on varying intensity thresholds. A two-stage analytical method was employed: first, generalized linear models assessed district-specific associations between cold spells and hospitalizations; second, random-effects meta-analysis aggregated the district-level results. Subgroup analyses were performed by admission type (emergency vs. outpatient), age, and sex.
RESULTS:
A total of 271,579 GUD-related hospitalizations were recorded. Cold spells (p1day2,daily mean temperature below the 1 st percentiles of the daily mean temperature distribution from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, lasting for two or more consecutive days) were linked to a significant rise in hospitalization risks: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.56) for all GUDs, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.23-1.49) for urinary system diseases, and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.28-1.67) for renal failure, when compared to non-cold spell days. Emergency admissions showed higher risk increases than outpatient admissions.
CONCLUSION
Extreme cold spells significantly elevate hospitalization risks for GUDs. This highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate cold-related health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Humans
;
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Cold Temperature/adverse effects*
;
Infant
;
Child, Preschool
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Child
;
Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Beijing/epidemiology*
;
Female Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
;
Male Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Risk Factors
3.Expression and clinical significance of YKL-40 in animal models of chronic renal failure complicating heart dysfunction
Jing BAI ; Hang REN ; Junqi ZHANG ; Guoqiang LIU ; Guiying LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(9):2041-2047
Objective To construct the animal model,and to study the expression and clinical signifi-cance of YKL-40 in the progress of chronic renal failure complicating cardiac dysfunction.Methods C57BL/6N mice were chosen as the experimental subjects and divided into the blank control(BC)group,renal failure(RF)group,heart failure(HF)group and renal combined heart failure group.The renal failure model was constructed by adenine perfusion.The heart failure model was constructed by subcutaneous injection of isopro-terenol.The renal failure and heart failure group model was established by adenine perfusion combined with subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol.The validity of constructed models was evaluated by creatinine(SCr),urea nitrogen(BUN)and BNP levels,renal ultrasound and ultrasonic cardiogram examination results.The levels of C-reactive protein(CRP)and YKL-40 were detected by ELISA,and the YKL-40 mRNA expression level in kidney and heart tissues was measure by RT-qPCR.The Image J software was used to calculate the collagen fiber area of the Masson staining results.Results Except the blank control group,the mice weights in the other 3 groups were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).SCr,BUN,average renal cross sectional area,average renal volume and renal CVF in the renal failure group and renal combined heart failure group were higher than those in the blank control group and heart failure group(P<0.05).The levels of LVEF,LVCO,LVSV,LVFS,LVPWd and LVPWs in the heart failure group and renal combined heart failure group were lower than those in the blank control group and renal failure group(P<0.05).LVEF and LVFS in the renal combined heart failure group were higher than those in the heart failure group(P<0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the serum CRP and YKL-40 levels in the other three groups were higher(P<0.05);the CRP and YKL-40 levels in the renal combined heart failure group were higher than those in the renal failure group and heart failure group(P<0.05).In the myocardial tis-sues,the YKL-40 mRNA expression level in the heart failure group and renal combined heart failure group was higher than those in the blank control group and renal failure group(P<0.05).YKL-40 had the correla-tion with CRP(r=0.88,P<0.05).Serum YKL-40 had the correlation with renal tissue YKL-40 gene expres-sion(r=0.77,P<0.05),and had the correlation with the renal tissue CVF(r=0.89,P<0.05).Conclusion YKL-40 has the influencing effect on renal failure complicating heart dysfunction,and could serve as the biomarker to mo-nitor the renal insufficiency complicating heart function abnormality.
4.Targeting farnesoid X receptor as aging intervention therapy.
Lijun ZHANG ; Jing YU ; Xiaoyan GAO ; Yingxuan YAN ; Xinyi WANG ; Hang SHI ; Minglv FANG ; Ying LIU ; Young-Bum KIM ; Huanhu ZHU ; Xiaojun WU ; Cheng HUANG ; Shengjie FAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1359-1382
Environmental toxicants have been linked to aging and age-related diseases. The emerging evidence has shown that the enhancement of detoxification gene expression is a common transcriptome marker of long-lived mice, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Meanwhile, the resistance to toxicants was increased in long-lived animals. Here, we show that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), a marketed drug for the treatment of cholestasis, may extend the lifespan and healthspan both in C. elegans and chemical-induced early senescent mice. Furthermore, OCA increased the resistance of worms to toxicants and activated the expression of detoxification genes in both mice and C. elegans. The longevity effects of OCA were attenuated in Fxr -/- mice and Fxr homologous nhr-8 and daf-12 mutant C. elegans. In addition, metabolome analysis revealed that OCA increased the endogenous agonist levels of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a major nuclear receptor for detoxification regulation, in the liver of mice. Together, our findings suggest that OCA has the potential to lengthen lifespan and healthspan by activating nuclear receptor-mediated detoxification functions, thus, targeting FXR may offer to promote longevity.
5.Microneedle-facilitated Portulaca oleracea L.-derived nanovesicles ameliorate atopic dermatitis by modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization and inhibiting NF-κB and STING signaling pathways.
Meng LONG ; Jiaqi LI ; Yuecheng ZHU ; Hang RUAN ; Jing LI ; Fanjun XU ; Ruipeng LIU ; Tao YANG ; Yanqin SHI ; Nianping FENG ; Yongtai ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5966-5987
Clinical management of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenged by its susceptibility to recurrence, side effects, and high costs. We found that Portulaca oleracea L.-derived nanovesicles (PDNV) exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization. These effects were achieved through pathways including inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein expression in diseased tissues, demonstrating their potential to ameliorate AD symptoms. To increase the transdermal permeation of PDNV, dissolvable microneedles composed primarily of hyaluronic acid (HA) were developed as an adjunctive means of delivery. Meanwhile, polysaccharides of Portulaca oleracea L., which were synergistic with PDNV, were used as microneedle constituent materials to enhance the mechanical properties and physical stability of HA. This new means of delivery significantly improves the treatment of AD and also provides new options for the efficient utilization of plant extracellular vesicles and the treatment of AD. In addition, transcriptomic analysis of PDNV showed that the mRNAs of Portulaca oleracea L. are closest to those of ferns, which may shed light on related evolutionary and plant species identification studies.
6.Role and mechanism of T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cells immune balance regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Qian WANG ; Kaiyang LI ; Mei YANG ; Hang ZHANG ; Shengjin ZHU ; Qi ZHAO ; Jing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):942-947
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hepatocyte fatty degeneration and ballooning degeneration, and it plays an important role in the progression of hepatic steatosis. Recent studies have shown that immune homeostasis imbalance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells are closely associated with the pathological process of NASH. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine for regulating the differentiation and proliferation of Th17/Treg cells, and TGF-β1 binds to its receptor and activates the Smad signaling pathway, thereby regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and participating in the repair of liver inflammation. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in affecting NASH by regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the pathogenesis of NASH and related treatment strategies.
7.Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using fully biodegradable occluder under ultrasound guidance: A case report
Ying' ; ao ZHAO ; Yiming YAN ; Ziping LI ; Hang LI ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Fang FANG ; Guangzhi ZHAO ; Jing DONG ; Chuangshi WANG ; Jiande WANG ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(12):1796-1799
Currently, transcatheter intervention is the preferred treatment for patients with anatomically suitable atrial septal defects. However, the use of nickel-titanium alloy occluders in interventional procedures results in lifelong presence of the implant in the body, leading to complications such as metal allergies and arrhythmias in some patients. To overcome the short-term and long-term complications associated with the presence of metal, and to avoid radiation exposure and metal toxicity, this paper reports a case of successful transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in a pediatric patient with metal allergies using fully biodegradable occluder under ultrasound guidance, achieving excellent results by interventional therapy.
8.Role and mechanism of T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cells immune balance regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Qian WANG ; Kaiyang LI ; Mei YANG ; Hang ZHANG ; Shengjin ZHU ; Qi ZHAO ; Jing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;42(5):942-947
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hepatocyte fatty degeneration and ballooning degeneration,and it plays an important role in the progression of hepatic steatosis.Recent studies have shown that immune homeostasis imbalance between T helper 17(Th17)and regulatory T(Treg)cells are closely associated with the pathological process of NASH.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)is a key cytokine for regulating the differentiation and proliferation of Th17/Treg cells,and TGF-β1 binds to its receptor and activates the Smad signaling pathway,thereby regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and participating in the repair of liver inflammation.This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in affecting NASH by regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the pathogenesis of NASH and related treatment strategies.
9.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal aggregation of dengue fever in Fujian Province,2011-2023
Mei-rong ZHAN ; Can-ming ZHANG ; Shao-jian CAI ; Zhong-hang XIE ; Sheng-gen WU ; Wu CHEN ; Jian-ming OU ; Wen-jing YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):200-207
The epidemiological and spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of dengue fever in Fujian Province were ana-lyzed,to provide a scientific basis for dengue fever prevention and control.Descriptive epidemiology,spatial autocorrelation a-nalysis,and spatiotemporal scanning were used to analyze dengue fever cases in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2023.In this peri-od,a total of 3 586 cases of dengue fever were reported in Fujian Province,including 2 360 local cases,1 134 imported cases from abroad,and 92 imported cases from China.Cases were reported in ten prefectures and cities of the province,and 81 out of 88 counties reported cases.Imported cases were reported throughout the year in Fujian Province,but the occurrence of local ca-ses showed clear seasonality.Local cases and domestic imports were concentrated in August to October,whereas overseas im-ports occurred primarily from June to October.The imported cases were mainly from Southeast Asian countries,but a trend of spreading from Southeast Asian countries to South Asia,Africa,the Americas,and other regions,was observed.Spatio-tem-poral clustering of dengue fever was found in Fujian Province(Moran's I value 0.14-0.66,P<0.05),and the high-high ag-gregation areas were distributed primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,and Putian.Spatio-temporal scanning detected three aggrega-tion areas:one main and two secondary.The aggregation time was from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.The distribution of dengue fever in Fujian Province showed clear spatial and temporal clustering from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.For high concentration areas,national health campaigns,mosquito prevention and control,epidemic surveillance,medical personnel training,and other relevant measures could be carried out in advance before local cases appear every year.Reduce local transmission of dengue fever due to importation.
10.Effects of Qingre Qudu Decoction for fumigation combined with three-gap drainage on wound healing and serum inflammatory factors in patients with acute perianal abscess
Wei YANG ; Bin XIAO ; Jing QIAO ; Man WANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Sizhu LI ; Lili YANG ; Jiamin HANG ; Heng JIA
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(7):908-912
Objective:To explore the effects of Qingre Qudu Decoction for fumigation combined with three-gap drainage on wound healing and serum inflammatory factors in patients with acute perianal abscess.Methods:Randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 117 patients with acute perianal abscess in the hospital were enrolled as the observation objects between August 2022 and May 2024. According to random number table method, they were divided into observation group (59 cases) and control group (58 cases). Both groups received three-gap drainage therapy. On basis of three-gap drainage, control group was given potassium permanganate, while observation group was given Qingre Qudu Decoction for fumigation. All patients were treated for 14 d. The growth of granulation tissue and wound secretions before and after treatment was evaluated. VAS scale was used to evaluate the degree of incision pain, and Wexner score was used to assess incontinence; ELISA was used to detect serum activator A (ACTA), immunoturbidimetry was used to detect serum CRP, and radioimmunoassay was used to detect serum IL-6 levels. The occurrence of complications and abscess recurrence during treatment was recorded, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 96.61% (57/59), while that of the control group was 82.76% (48/58), with statistical significance ( χ2=6.10, P=0.014). After treatment, scores of granulation tissue growth and wound secretions in observation group, and scores of VAS and Wexner incontinence in observation group were lower than those in the control group ( t=9.66, 5.00, 7.98, 3.65, P<0.001), and wound healing time was shorter than that in control group ( t=8.41, P<0.001). After treatment, levels of serum ACTA, CRP and IL-6 in observation group were lower than those in control group ( t=15.30, 2.08, 19.34, P<0.01 or P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was 6.78% (4/59), while in the control group it was 27.59% (16/58), with statistical significance ( χ2=8.93, P=0.003). Conclusion:Qingre Qudu Decoction for fumigation combined with three-gap drainage can relieve postoperative incision pain, inhibit inflammatory response, accelerate the recovery of wound and promote the recovery of anal function and improve clinical efficacy.

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