1.Effects of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on male semen quality and associated mechanisms: A research progress review
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):663-668
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging environmental pollutants, have ubiquitously contaminated global ecosystems and even human tissues, raising significant concerns about their potential health risks. The global decline in male reproductive health, particularly semen quality, is thought to be strongly linked to environmental pollutant exposure. This review summarized the latest research progress on the effects of MNP exposure on male semen quality and its underlying mechanisms. Existing evidence indicates that MNPs can enter the human body through multiple pathways such as inhalation and ingestion, accumulate in the reproductive system including the testes and semen. This accumulation is associated with the deterioration of semen quality parameters, manifesting as decreased sperm concentration, reduced sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. The proposed mechanisms primarily include oxidative stress, inflammatory response, endocrine disruption, and apoptosis. This paper systematically reviewed the findings and limitations of current research and provided perspectives on future directions, including the effects of long-term low-dose exposure, validation in human epidemiological studies, and the risks of mixed exposures, to provide a scientific basis for a comprehensive assessment of the male reproductive toxicity of MNPs.
2.Effects of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on male semen quality and associated mechanisms: A research progress review
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):663-668
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging environmental pollutants, have ubiquitously contaminated global ecosystems and even human tissues, raising significant concerns about their potential health risks. The global decline in male reproductive health, particularly semen quality, is thought to be strongly linked to environmental pollutant exposure. This review summarized the latest research progress on the effects of MNP exposure on male semen quality and its underlying mechanisms. Existing evidence indicates that MNPs can enter the human body through multiple pathways such as inhalation and ingestion, accumulate in the reproductive system including the testes and semen. This accumulation is associated with the deterioration of semen quality parameters, manifesting as decreased sperm concentration, reduced sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. The proposed mechanisms primarily include oxidative stress, inflammatory response, endocrine disruption, and apoptosis. This paper systematically reviewed the findings and limitations of current research and provided perspectives on future directions, including the effects of long-term low-dose exposure, validation in human epidemiological studies, and the risks of mixed exposures, to provide a scientific basis for a comprehensive assessment of the male reproductive toxicity of MNPs.
3.Application of transoral robotic thyroidectomy in overweight patients
Sijuan CHEN ; Xianjiao CAO ; Gaoyuan XU ; Dayong ZHUANG ; Qingqing HE ; Xiaolei LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):45-50
Objective:To investigate the application of transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) in overweight patients.Methods:Clinical data of 109 thyroid tumor patients who underwent TORT at 960th Hospital of People’s Liberation Army from May. 2020 to Aug. 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. After excluding 10 patients who underwent prophylactic lateral neck dissection, a total of 99 patients were included in this study. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which define people with BMI:25-29.9 kg/m 2 as overweight, we divided the 99 patients into normal weight group (n=69) and overweight group (n=30) . To make the baseline data consistent between the two groups and ensure comparability, 20 matched pairs were generated using a 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method, considering four clinicopathologic factors: age, gender, diameter of tumor and operation scope. In the normal-weight group, there were 18 females and 2 males, aged (32.82±9.51) years (range: 17-53 years) , and there exhibited 18 females and 2 males in the overweight group, aged (35.14±10.63) years (range: 18-55 years) . Results:All patients successfully underwent the operation without conversions to open surgery. After matching, both groups had 2 cases of thyroid adenoma and 18 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma ( P=1) , with no statistically significant difference in the surgical scope between the two groups ( P=0.376) . There was no statistically significant difference in the mean tumor diameter between the normal-weight group and the overweight group (5.38±1.79 mm vs. 5.61±3.32 mm, P=0.575) . All malignant tumor cases in both groups were classified as T1 stage, and there was no statistically significant difference in N stage ( P=0.186) . All patients with malignant tumors underwent central lymph node dissection, there was no significant difference in the number of central lymph nodes dissected ( P=0.623) and metastatic lymph nodes ( P=0.109) between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in operative duration (217.53±62.83 min vs. 220.67±73.73 min, P=0.808) , median postoperative hospital stay [6 (6,7.75) days vs. 6 (6,7) days, P=0.682], or 24-hour drainage volume (78.52±30.49 mL vs. 68.23±29.11 mL, P=0.180) between the normal-weight group and the overweight group. There was no permanent hypoparathyroidism, postoperative hemorrhage, lymphatic fistula, mental nerve injury, postoperative infection in both groups. In both groups, there occurred one case of transient hypoparathyroidism. As for other complications, 1 case of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and oral tearing occurred in the overweight group, while the normal-weight group had 1 case of skin scald. Conclusions:Among patients who underwent TORT, the overweight group exhibited comparable surgical outcomes and postoperative complications to those in the normal-weight group. TORT is a safe and feasible surgical option for overweight patients, which provides more surgical options for this patient population.
4.Application of transoral robotic thyroidectomy in overweight patients
Sijuan CHEN ; Xianjiao CAO ; Gaoyuan XU ; Dayong ZHUANG ; Qingqing HE ; Xiaolei LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):45-50
Objective:To investigate the application of transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) in overweight patients.Methods:Clinical data of 109 thyroid tumor patients who underwent TORT at 960th Hospital of People’s Liberation Army from May. 2020 to Aug. 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. After excluding 10 patients who underwent prophylactic lateral neck dissection, a total of 99 patients were included in this study. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which define people with BMI:25-29.9 kg/m 2 as overweight, we divided the 99 patients into normal weight group (n=69) and overweight group (n=30) . To make the baseline data consistent between the two groups and ensure comparability, 20 matched pairs were generated using a 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method, considering four clinicopathologic factors: age, gender, diameter of tumor and operation scope. In the normal-weight group, there were 18 females and 2 males, aged (32.82±9.51) years (range: 17-53 years) , and there exhibited 18 females and 2 males in the overweight group, aged (35.14±10.63) years (range: 18-55 years) . Results:All patients successfully underwent the operation without conversions to open surgery. After matching, both groups had 2 cases of thyroid adenoma and 18 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma ( P=1) , with no statistically significant difference in the surgical scope between the two groups ( P=0.376) . There was no statistically significant difference in the mean tumor diameter between the normal-weight group and the overweight group (5.38±1.79 mm vs. 5.61±3.32 mm, P=0.575) . All malignant tumor cases in both groups were classified as T1 stage, and there was no statistically significant difference in N stage ( P=0.186) . All patients with malignant tumors underwent central lymph node dissection, there was no significant difference in the number of central lymph nodes dissected ( P=0.623) and metastatic lymph nodes ( P=0.109) between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in operative duration (217.53±62.83 min vs. 220.67±73.73 min, P=0.808) , median postoperative hospital stay [6 (6,7.75) days vs. 6 (6,7) days, P=0.682], or 24-hour drainage volume (78.52±30.49 mL vs. 68.23±29.11 mL, P=0.180) between the normal-weight group and the overweight group. There was no permanent hypoparathyroidism, postoperative hemorrhage, lymphatic fistula, mental nerve injury, postoperative infection in both groups. In both groups, there occurred one case of transient hypoparathyroidism. As for other complications, 1 case of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and oral tearing occurred in the overweight group, while the normal-weight group had 1 case of skin scald. Conclusions:Among patients who underwent TORT, the overweight group exhibited comparable surgical outcomes and postoperative complications to those in the normal-weight group. TORT is a safe and feasible surgical option for overweight patients, which provides more surgical options for this patient population.
5.Clinical analysis of robotic bilateral modified radical neck dissection through the bilateral axillo-breast approach for thyroid carcinoma
Lanqing CHEN ; Xiaolei LI ; Dayong ZHUANG ; Peng ZHOU ; Tao YUE ; Jing XU ; Sijuan CHEN ; Chenyu LI ; Changxiu SHAO ; Qingqing HE
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2024;18(1):21-25
Objective:To research the efficacy and safety of robotic thyroidectomy and bilateral modified radical neck dissection through bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) .Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 37 patients with thyroid cancer who received bilateral modified radical neck dissection through the BABA at the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army from Jan. 2014 to Jan. 2023. There were 24 females and 13 males, and the average age of the patients was (33,22±10.53) years old. The tumor diameter, number of lymph node dissection and metastasis in the central and lateral regions, average operation time, average hospital stay, complications, and aesthetic score were recorded. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and the measurement data was calculated using mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and the counting data was expressed in percentages and numbers. Results:A total of 37 thyroid cancer patients underwent robotic bilateral regional lymph node dissection. The 37 patients received total thyroidectomy, bilateral central compartment and cervical lateral regional lymph node dissection. All the pathological types were papillary carcinoma, with a maximal tumor diameter of (1.47±0.85) cm. The average number of central lymph nodes dissected was 19.46±8.84, and there were (10.24±5.95) metastases; The average number of lymph nodes removed from the bilateral cervical region was 38.92±14.21, and there were (7.92±5.84) metastases. The average operation time was (288.05±77.09) min, the average length of stay in the hospital was (10.76±3.92) days, and the average length of stay in the hospital following surgery was (8.03±2.08) days. These patients had no permanent hypoparathyroidism, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, infection, accessory nerve injury and phrenic nerve injury after operation. Transient hypoparathyroidism occurred in 15 patients, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient, and chyle leak occurred in 2 patients. One month after surgery, the aesthetic score was 9.51±0.69.Two patients were found lymph node metastases during the (27.81±15.10) months of follow-up, and received robotic cervical lymph node dissection with BABA.Conclusion:For carefully chosen thyroid cancer patients with bilateral lateral cervical region lymph node metastases, robotic bilateral cervical lymph node regional dissection via BABA is safe and feasible, and good cosmetic results can be obtained.
6.Analysis of different fixation devices in precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer under bowel and bladder preparation protocol
Sijuan HUANG ; Ziyue ZHONG ; Hao TANG ; Yang LIU ; Mengxue HE ; Xuan GUO ; Liru HE ; Zhiyue LIN ; Wenyan YAO ; Senkui XU ; Xin YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2022;31(8):716-721
Objective:To provide evidence for the selection of fixation devices and CTV to PTV margins (M ptv) in precision radiotherapy for pelvic tumors by analyzing three fixation devices in precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Methods:From April 2015 to December 2020, 133 prostate cancer patients treated with pelvic drainage area irradiation in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were fixed with 1.2m vacuum bag (n=39), 1.8m vacuum bag (n=44) and personalized prone plate by our center (n=50). Each patient was asked to complete our bowel and bladder preparation process before positioning and radiotherapy. The registration of CBCT to planned CT before each treatment adopted the same registration box and algorithm. Setup errors in the SI, LR and AP directions under qualified bowel and bladder conditions were recorded. Setup errors in three directions under three fixation devices and corresponding M ptv values were analyzed. The correlation between setup errors with age and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed. Results:Analysis of 3333 setup errors data showed: in the SI and LR directions, the mean setup errors of 1.2m vacuum bag (3.26mm, 2.34mm) were greater than those of 1.8m vacuum bag (2.51mm, P<0.001; 1.90mm, P<0.001), and personalized prone plate (3.07mm, P=0.066; 2.10 mm, P=0.009). In the AP direction, the mean setup errors of 1.2m vacuum bag (supine)(2.20mm) were smaller than those of 1.8m vacuum bag (3.33mm, P<0.001) and personalized prone plate (3.61mm, P<0.001). The setup errors of 1.8m vacuum bag in all directions were smaller than those of personalized prone plate (P≤0.028). According to Van Herk's expansion formula, the M ptv of 1.2m vacuum bag in three directions was approximately 4 mm. The M ptv of 1.8m vacuum bag and personalized prone plate in the SI and LR directions was approximately 3 mm, and more than 5 mm in the AP direction. The setup errors were not correlated with age or BMI. Conclusions:From the setup errors results of three devices, 1.8m vacuum bag is the best, followed by personalized prone plate. And supine position is better than prone position in the AP direction.
7.Analysis of miRNA-34c expression in cervical cancer tissue and preliminary identification of Polo-like kinase 4 as its target gene
Honghong ZHANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Sijuan XU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2015;42(22):1077-1080
Objective:To analyze the expression profile of miRNA-34c in cervical cancer tissue and identify its novel target gene. Methods:The expression levels of miRNA-34c were detected in 34 paired cervical cancer tissues and normal paraneoplastic tissues via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a target gene of miRNA-34c pre-dicted in the miRNA Target Database. Luciferase vector containing the binding site of miRNA-34c to PLK4 3'UTR and miRNA-34c mimic or negative control were co-transfected into HEK293T cells, and luciferase expression was examined. The miRNA-34c mimic or negative control was transfected into SiHa cells, and the mRNA or protein expression of PLK4 was detected via qRT-PCR or Western blot, respectively. Results:MiRNA-34c expression was lower in cervical cancer tissues than in normal paraneoplastic tissues. The miR-NA-34c mimics significantly inhibited luciferase activation in the HEK293T cells (P<0.01) and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of PLK4 in the SiHa cells (P<0.01). Conclusion:MiRNA-34c is significantly decreased in cervical cancer tis-sues. Moreover, miRNA-34c can significantly repress the mRNA and protein expression levels of PLK4 by directly targeting the 3'UTR.
8.Effect evaluation of auricular plaster therapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation in patients with constipation induced by strong opioid drugs for pain
Lihua YANG ; Peibei DUAN ; Yanan XU ; Qingmei HOU ; Sijuan MEI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Long SUN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2014;30(5):4-7
Objective To explore the effect of auricular plaster therapy on associated symptoms and quality of life in patients with constipation induced by strong opioid drugs for pain.Methods A total of 60 patients selected were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group with 30 cases in each group.The intervention group was treated with auriculotherapy based on the pattern/syndrome differentiation after detecting the auricular sensitive acupoints' distribution in patients with opioid-induced constipation after receiving opioid therapy.BFI,self-made scale on symptoms accompanied by constipation and PAC-QOL were used to collect data about constipation symptoms and the level of quality of life before or after the intervention,and still with a subset of the intervention group followed for more than two weeks.Results The BFI and PAC-QOL scores of the intervention and control group were lower after intervention,and the decline score of the two groups showed significant difference.But for the self-made scale,the score of each item was slightly lower compared with that before treatment,which showed no statistically significant difference between groups.A follow-up of 2 weeks showed that the long-term efficacy of auricular plaster therapy was significantly lower than before,but was less desirable than short-term.Conclusions Scientific and reasonable choice of acupoint prescription according to syndrome differentiation can effectively improve symptoms accompanied by constipation and patients' quality of life.

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