1.Ethical significance and practical strategies for enhancing the transparency of ethical review
Amut ZULNAR ; Lin ZOU ; Yonghui MA
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(4):448-454
Enhancing transparency is an important means of reforming public health services in modern society, and its significance in the field of healthcare is self-evident (especially in terms of resource allocation). In the construction and practice of an ethical review system, improving transparency is an important measure to solve problems such as low efficiency, formalism, inconsistent review decisions, and the lack of a complaint mechanism, and is also the key to ensuring the ethical compliance of research and promote the development of scientific research. Therefore, the international academic community and various countries have begun to emphasize the principle of transparency in ethical review, but its specific implementation still faces challenges. By analyzing the concept and content of transparency and arguing its ethical value and specific dimensions in ethical review work, this paper demonstrated that improving the transparency of ethical review can not only prevent violations and strengthen the accountability mechanism, but also balance information asymmetry, enhance public trust, and improve review efficiency. Finally, potential measures to enhance transparency in ethical review were explored, including formulating detailed transparency strategies, establishing an online information disclosure system, constructing a “precedent” system, setting up a supervisory appeal procedure, and other measures. These measures aim to optimize the ethical review system, providing solid ethical support for scientific research while enhancing public trust and understanding of ethical review work, with a view to further improving the practice of ethical review and promoting the interests of multiple stakeholders.
2.Professional self-concept of nurses: the influence of work stressors and related factors
Ji CHEN ; Ziling LUO ; Yue SUN ; Lin MA ; Ji LI ; Xiufang LI ; Xiaorong DENG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):178-183
BackgroundThe professional self-concept of nurses is a crucial indicator for their personal growth, development and career planning. Previous studies have shown that work stressors during the internship period may lead to a decrease in the level of professional self-concept among nursing students. Given the existing differences in social roles between nursing students and clinical nurses, the influencing factors of professional self-concept in clinical nurses and its relationship with work stressors require further research. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between work stressors and professional self-concept among nurses, so as to provide references for improving the level of professional self-concept of clinical nurses. MethodsFrom December 2022 to February 2023, a stratified random sampling method was employed to select 260 in-service nurses from Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine as the study subjects. Chinese Nurses Stressor Scale (CNSS) and Professional Self-concept of Nurses Instrument (PSCNI) were used for assessment. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between CNSS scores and PSCNI scores of nurses. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to explore the factors influencing the professional self-concept of nurses. ResultsA total of 238 nurses (91.54%) completed valid questionnaires. PSCNI total score yielded a statistical difference among nurses with different marital statuses (F=8.947, P<0.05). PSCNI total scores were significantly higher in nurses with emergency medical service experience than those without such experience (t=2.208, P<0.05), and were significantly lower in nurses with abnormal physical examination findings in the past year than those without abnormal findings (t=-2.584, P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that CNSS total score and subscale scores were negatively correlated with PSCNI total score (r=-0.275~-0.169, P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that work expectation-related stressors, marital status and emergency medical service experience might be influencing factors of their professional self-concept (β=-0.350, 0.345, 0.183, P<0.01). ConclusionNurses' work stressors are closely correlated with their professional self-concept, and high levels of stressors related to nurses' expectations may lead to a decrease in their professional self-concept levels. [Funded by 2021 Research Project of Mianyang Municipal Health Commission (number, 202154)]
3.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
4.Predicting Postoperative Motor Function in High-risk Glioma Based on The Morphology Change of Motor Fiber Tracts
Qiang MA ; Song-Lin YU ; Chu-Yue ZHAO ; Xi-Jie WANG ; Song LIN ; Zhen-Tao ZUO ; Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1018-1026
ObjectiveGliomas in the motor functional area can damage the corticospinal tract (CST), leading to motor dysfunction. Currently, there is a lack of unified methods for evaluating the extent of CST damage, especially in patients with high surgical risk where the minimum distance from the lesion to the CST is less than 10 mm. This study aims to further clarify the classification method and clinical significance of CST morphological changes in these patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 109 high-risk functional area glioma patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment with preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) imaging and intraoperative neurostimulation guidance between 2014 and 2024. All patients had a lesion-to-tract distance (LTD) of less than 10 mm between the CST and the lesion. Preoperative DTI evaluation of CST involvement-induced morphological changes were reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases (15.6%) with symmetric CST morphology compared to the healthy side (CST symmetry), 48 cases (44.0%) with significant CST morphology changes compared to the healthy side (CST deformation), and 44 cases (40.4%) with CST overlap with the tumor (CST overlap). Then we classified patients according to preoperative assessment of tumor-induced morphological changes, and analyze postoperative motor function for each category. ResultsPostoperative pathology showed a significantly higher proportion of high-grade gliomas (HGG) in the CST overlap group compared to the other two groups (P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CST overlap was a predictor of HGG (P=0.000). The rate of total tumor resection in the CST deformation group and overlap group was lower than in the CST symmetric group (P=0.008). There was a total of 41 postoperative hemiplegic patients, with 4 cases (23.5%) in the CST symmetric group, 11 cases (22.9%) in the CST deformation group, and 26 cases (59.1%) in the CST overlap group. CST overlap with the tumor predicted postoperative hemiplegia (P=0.016). Two-way ANOVA analysis of the affected/healthy side and CST morphology groups showed significant main effects of CST grouping and healthy-affected side (P=0.017 and P=0.010), with no significant interaction (P=0.31). The fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the CST overlap group and the affected side was lower. A decrease in the FA value on the affected side predicted postoperative hemiplegia (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.9%). ConclusionWe have established a method to predict postoperative hemiplegia in high-risk motor functional area glioma patients based on preoperative CST morphological changes. CST overlap leads to a decrease in CST FA values. This method can be used for precise patient management and aid in accurate preoperative surgical planning.
5.Predictive value of prognostic nutritional index for treatment efficacy and prognosis in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with chemotherapy combined with immune sequential radiotherapy
WANG Yu1,2 ; WEI Zhuojun2 ; WANG Lin3 ; WANG Ruiqi4 ; CHEN Huan2 ; CHENG Qi2 ; LIN Xiao2 ; MA Honglian2 ; XU Yujin2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(4):405-412
[摘 要] 目的:探索预后营养指数(PNI)在接受诱导化疗联合免疫(化免)序贯放疗的局部晚期食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)中的疗效预测价值及预后影响。方法: 回顾性分析浙江省肿瘤医院2019年5月至2023年8月期间收治的126例行诱导化免序贯放疗的局部晚期ESCC患者的临床资料。绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC曲线),确定患者诱导化免前1周内、放疗前1周内、放疗开始后4 ± 1周的PNI最佳临界值并对患者进行分组。采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制生存曲线,并用Log-Rank法比较组间患者的总生存期(OS)及无进展生存期(PFS),采用Cox回归分析探讨诱导化免序贯放疗的局部晚期ESCC患者的预后影响因素。结果: 共纳入126例局部晚期ESCC患者,男性118例,女性8例,中位年龄65岁(44~78岁)。运用ROC曲线确认的患者诱导化免前、放疗前和放疗中PNI最佳临界值为46.2、48.3和37.9。放疗前PNI ≥ 48.3组中位OS、PFS分别为47.3、28.2个月,放疗前PNI < 48.3组中位OS、PFS分别为18.7、15.2个月(P < 0.01,P < 0.05)。放疗中PNI ≥ 37.9组中位OS未达到,中位PFS为25.7个月,放疗中PNI < 37.9组中位OS、PFS分别为17.0、12.5个月(P < 0.01,P < 0.05)。诱导化免后PNI升高组中位OS未达到,中位PFS为28.4个月;PNI降低组中位OS、PFS分别为20.4、16.0个月(P < 0.01,P < 0.05)。多因素分析显示,放疗中PNI[HR = 2.292,95% CI(1.264,4.159),P < 0.05]、诱导化免后PNI变化[HR = 2.120, 95% CI(1.007, 4.463),P < 0.05]为影响OS因素。结论: 放疗中PNI、诱导化免后PNI变化与患者治疗疗效及预后有一定相关性,可作为预测ESCC化免序贯放疗获益的重要指标。
6.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
7.Risk assessment of human Spirometra mansoni infections and cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice towards sparganosis in endemic areas of Henan Province
Yalan ZHANG ; Tiantian JIANG ; Xiaohui MA ; Yan DENG ; Weiqi CHEN ; Yankun ZHU ; Zhenqiang TANG ; Xi-meng LIN ; Hongwei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):190-195
Objective To assess the risk of human Spirometra mansoni infections and investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards sparganosis mansoni among residents in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into formulation of the sparganosis mansoni control measures. Methods Qinling Village in Fugou County of Zhoukou City, Bali Village in Yancheng District of Luohe City, Duzhai Village in Puyang County of Puyang City and Doushan Village in Luoshan County of Xinyang City were sampled as survey sites in Henan Province from July to August 2023, and more than 40 frogs were sampled from ponds or streams in each survey site for detection of Sparganum mansoni infections. At least 150 residents were sampled using a cluster sampling method from each survey site, and the sero-prevalence of anti-S. mansoni IgG antibody was estimated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the KAP towards sparganosis mansoni among participants, and the proportion of eligible KAP, rate of correct KAP and KAP scores were calculated. Results A total 229 frogs were collected from 4 survey sites in 2023, and the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 4.37% (10/229) in frogs, with 7.75% (10/129) prevalence in wild frogs and 0 in farm-bred frogs. A questionnaire survey was performed among 649 residents sampled from 4 survey sites, and 649 serum samples were collected. The seroprevalence of anti-S.mansoni IgG antibody was 0.15% (1/649) and the overall proportion of eligible KAP was 23.73% (154/649) among participants. There were age- (χ2 = 30.905, P = 0.000), educational level- (χ2 = 41.011, P = 0.000), and occupation-specific proportions of eligible KAP among participants (χ2 = 10.721, P = 0.005), and the proportion of eligible KAP decreased with age (χ2 trend = 22.717, P = 0.000) and increased with education levels (χ2 trend = 40.025, P = 0.000). The rates of correct KAP towards sparganosis mansoni were 40.81% (2 119/5 192), 96.66% (1 882/1 947) and 63.81% (3 727/5 841) (χ2 = 1 913.731, P = 0.000) among residents, respectively. The rates of correct KAP towards sparganosis mansoni varied significantly among survey sites (χ2 = 136.872, 42.347 and 255.157; all P values= 0.000, with the highest rate of correct knowledge (51.94%, 748/1 440) and practices (75.86%, 1 229/1 620) in Yancheng District of Luohe City and the highest rate of correct attitudes in Puyang County of Puyang City (99.11%, 446/450) (all P values< 0.05). Conclusions There is still a high transmission risk of sparganosis mansoni in Henan Province, and the KAP towards sparganosis mansoni is required to be improved among residents.
8.Comparative study on the mechanism and efficacy of Zexie tang traditional decoction and formula granules in reducing lipid accumulation
Yuanyuan GUO ; Lina MA ; Huqin LIN ; Changhui ZHENG ; Jiayi LI ; Zhijun LI ; Junling CAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1202-1208
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Zexie tang (ZXT) on reducing lipid accumulation through network pharmacology, and compare the difference of traditional decoction versus formula granules. METHODS The active components and targets of ZXT were identified using TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction databases. GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET and TTD databases were used to analyze the related targets of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); protein-protein interaction network model was constructed by String database;“ ZXT-NAFLD target-pathway” network diagram was constructed by using CytoScape software; target enrichment analysis was performed by using Metascape platform. Fat accumulation model of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was established to observe the effects of traditional decoction and formula granules of ZXT on lipid accumulation of cells. RESULTS Alisol B, alisol C, 1-monolinolein and alisol B monoacetate were the key active components of ZXT in the treatment of NAFLD. The core targets included MDM2, MAPK1, PIK3CB, PRKCQ and MAPK14, etc. The core signaling pathways included endocrine resistance, insulin resistance and Th17 cell differentiation. Compared with model group, except for the Zexie formula granules group and Baizhu formula granules group, the absorbance values in all other administration groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the absorbance value of Baizhu traditional decoction group was significantly higher than that of ZXT traditional decoction group (P<0.01); the absorbance values of Zexie formula granule group and Baizhu formula granule group were significantly higher than that of ZXT formula granule group (P<0.01); the absorbance value of Zexie formula granule group was significantly higher than that of Zexie traditional decoction group (P<0.01); the absorbance value of Baizhu formula granule group was significantly higher than that of Baizhu traditional decoction group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS ZXT reduces lipid accumulation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through multiple components, multiple target and multiple pathways, and its traditional decoction and formula granules exhibit slightly different lipid-lowering effects.
10.Use of Customized Binaural Beats for the Treatment of Chronic Insomnia
Kevin LIN ; Vivek MOHAN ; Yifei MA ; Bryant LIN ; Peter HWANG ; Paramesh GOPI ; Clete KUSHIDA
Journal of Sleep Medicine 2025;22(1):26-31
Chronic insomnia affects 10%–15% of the population, with one-third of Western adults struggling with sleep initiation or maintenance. Binaural beats, which involve two audio frequencies, have shown the potential for enhancing sleep and mood. This study examined the efficacy of customized binaural audio tracks generated using facial analysis software to treat chronic insomnia. Methods: A 45-minute personalized binaural beat audio session was delivered using the Spatial app and headband (SoundHealth) to 20 participants with moderate-to-severe insomnia, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) criteria, over four weeks in California. Statistical analysis (paired t-test and linear mixed modeling) was used to compare baseline ISI scores to posttreatment scores, with p<0.05 indicating significance. The study assumed 80% power and aimed to achieve a 7-point ISI reduction. Results: All participants completed the study with no adverse events or full protocol adherence. The cohort was 60% White, with a 3:1 female-to-male ratio and an average age of 51.9 years. The baseline ISI was 19.8, dropping to 8.5 after four weeks, showing an 11.3-point reduction (95% confidence interval [CI]: -15 to -7.6, p<0.001). Mixed modeling indicated a similar ISI decrease of 11.28 points (95% CI: -14.98 to -7.57, p<0.001). The treatment response rate was 70%. Conclusions: Customized binaural beats show promise for insomnia treatment, with no adverse effects and high adherence. Most participants improved to no insomnia or subthreshold insomnia. Further research is needed to validate these results using larger samples and to assess long-term effects.

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