1.Circadian mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic dysfunction induced by chronic PM2.5 exposure
Wenqing ZHANG ; Biao WU ; Jianshu GUO ; Dongxia FAN ; Ge WANG ; Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Xianying LIAO ; Xihao DU ; Yuquan XIE ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):926-935
Background Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. However, the mechanisms of its interaction with the endogenous circadian system remain incompletely understood. Objective To investigate whether chronic PM2.5 exposure interferes with the rhythmic expression of the cardiac circadian clock, thereby disrupting downstream antioxidant defenses and metabolic homeostasis, and ultimately driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. Methods Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a PM2.5 exposure group (PM group) and a filtered air control group (FA group). Whole-body exposure was conducted for 8 weeks in a meteorological environmental animal exposure system. Samples were collected at six distinct zeitgeber time (ZT) points post-exposure. The 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and serum lipid profiles were monitored. Rhythm parameters were derived via cosinor analysis to compare differences in Midline statistic of rhythm (Mesor), amplitude, and phase between the two groups. The rhythmic expression of core circadian clock genes and antioxidant genes in the myocardium was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and downstream pathway protein expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot (WB), respectively. The expression changes of the clock gene retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) were assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among myocardial RORα expression, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress indicators. Results Compared to the FA group, mice in the PM group exhibited a blunted circadian rhythm in blood pressure, characterized by sustained elevation throughout the day. Chronic PM2.5 exposure showed a significant interaction with ZT on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (F-interaction=9.11, 5.70, and 6.02, respectively; P<0.05), as well as on serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (F-interaction=16.32, 11.12, 15.39, and 28.09, respectively; P<0.05). Cosinor analysis further revealed that the Mesor values of T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05), while that of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the PM group (P<0.05). The oscillation amplitudes of SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a decreasing trend, whereas those of TG and LDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Furthermore, SBP, T-CHO, and HDL-C all exhibited a significant phase delay (P<0.05). Mechanistically, PM2.5 exposure significantly suppressed the expression of the positive circadian regulator RORα in the myocardium, leading to disordered rhythmic expression of core clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per1/2, and Cry1/2). This exposure also inhibited the rhythmic expression of antioxidant genes (GPX1, SOD2, and CAT), resulting in increased ROS generation and elevated expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) proteins. Correlation analysis further revealed that myocardial RORα expression level was negatively correlated with T-CHO, TG, and LDL-C (r=−0.55, −0.63, and −0.51, respectively; P<0.001), and positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.37, P=0.010), and antioxidant genes GPX1, SOD2, and CAT expression (r=0.34, 0.35, and 0.56, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion Chronic PM2.5 exposure induces cardiometabolic dysfunction by suppressing myocardial RORα expression. This suppression disrupts the cardiac circadian clock and the diurnal balance of oxidative stress, triggering oxidative damage and elevating expression of CaMKII/NADPH pathway proteins. Collectively, these alterations precipitate the loss of cardiac metabolic rhythms and subsequent functional impairment.
2.Research progress on factors associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1050-1055
Abstract
Children s emotional and behavioral problems are characterized by a relatively high incidence, concealed manifestations, and a potential correlation with an increased risk of subsequent mental disorders. These problems have a sustained impact on children s social-emotional development, learning adaptation, and peer relationships. The study reviews the main influencing factors and their mechanisms of action regarding children s emotional and behavioral problems from three levels:individual, family, and social. Under a multi-level integrated perspective, it deepens the understanding of these mechanisms and proposes that future efforts should focus on factors such as improving physical fitness, enhancing sleep, and reducing sedentary behavior. Furthermore, it suggests strengthening collaborative interventions among schools, families, and communities to promote the early prevention of childrens emotional and behavioral problems and support their healthy development.
3.Randomized controlled trial of enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia with comorbid anxiety/depression
Xin LUO ; Jingru LI ; Jingfang LU ; Fangmei GE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Wanqi SUN ; Wenqing ZHAO ; Binbin SHI ; Chengmei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(3):202-210
Objective:To compare the effects of standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I Plus) in patients with chronic insomnia disorder comorbid anxiety or depressive symptoms.Methods:This prospective study included 148 patients with chronic insomnia disorder and anxiety/depression symptoms who were treated at the Sleep Disorder clinic of Shanghai Mental Health Center between July 2020 and August 2023. Participants (56 males, 92 females; aged 18-65 years, mean age 35.08±10.30 years) were randomly assigned in a 1∶2 ratio to the CBT-I group ( n=54) or CBT-I Plus group ( n=94). The CBT-I Plus group received additional treatments targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms. Treatment lasted 8 weeks, with assessment conducted at baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 8. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17), anxiety severity with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate within-group changes, repeated-measures ANOVA compared treatment effects between groups, and ANCOVA was employed to adjust for confounding variables. Results:Significant reductions in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores were observed in both groups after treatment: CBT-I group: PSQI ((14.15±2.54) vs. (7.50±3.35), t=13.25), HAMD 17 ((14.70±4.09) vs. (7.40±4.61), t=9.33), and HAMA ((14.94±4.11) vs. (5.56±3.67), t=12.38) (all P<0.001).CBT-I Plus group: PSQI ((14.87±3.01) vs. (7.19±3.86), t=18.75), HAMD 17 ((16.84±3.91) vs. (6.84±4.79), t=17.42), and HAMA ((15.57±3.93) vs. (6.10±4.57), t=18.39) (all P<0.001). After adjusting for HAMD 17 scores and medication use, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in changes in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores ( P>0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was found for the PSQI daytime dysfunction subscale ( F=4.87, P<0.01). Conclusion:Both CBT-I and CBT-I Plus improve sleep and emotional symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia disorder and comorbid anxiety/depression symptoms. However, CBT-I Plus has no significant advantages over standard CBT-I. Further studies are needed to refine the timing and content of interventions.
4.The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing successfully prevented organ donation from a deceased donor infected with rabies virus : a case report
Chao LI ; Xin YE ; Wenqing GE ; Zheng ZHOU ; Liangliang WANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(8):610-612
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has emerged as a pivotal tool in the detection and characterization of infectious pathogens in clinical settings, and it has been applied to donor assessment. This case report describes the effective application of mNGS in preventing the transplantation of organs from a donor infected with the rabies virus, who presented with myocarditis. The rapid and accurate identification of the rabies virus through mNGS potentially averted the risk of transmission to organ recipients.
5.Randomized controlled trial of enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia with comorbid anxiety/depression
Xin LUO ; Jingru LI ; Jingfang LU ; Fangmei GE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Wanqi SUN ; Wenqing ZHAO ; Binbin SHI ; Chengmei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(3):202-210
Objective:To compare the effects of standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I Plus) in patients with chronic insomnia disorder comorbid anxiety or depressive symptoms.Methods:This prospective study included 148 patients with chronic insomnia disorder and anxiety/depression symptoms who were treated at the Sleep Disorder clinic of Shanghai Mental Health Center between July 2020 and August 2023. Participants (56 males, 92 females; aged 18-65 years, mean age 35.08±10.30 years) were randomly assigned in a 1∶2 ratio to the CBT-I group ( n=54) or CBT-I Plus group ( n=94). The CBT-I Plus group received additional treatments targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms. Treatment lasted 8 weeks, with assessment conducted at baseline, weeks 2, 4, and 8. Depression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD 17), anxiety severity with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate within-group changes, repeated-measures ANOVA compared treatment effects between groups, and ANCOVA was employed to adjust for confounding variables. Results:Significant reductions in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores were observed in both groups after treatment: CBT-I group: PSQI ((14.15±2.54) vs. (7.50±3.35), t=13.25), HAMD 17 ((14.70±4.09) vs. (7.40±4.61), t=9.33), and HAMA ((14.94±4.11) vs. (5.56±3.67), t=12.38) (all P<0.001).CBT-I Plus group: PSQI ((14.87±3.01) vs. (7.19±3.86), t=18.75), HAMD 17 ((16.84±3.91) vs. (6.84±4.79), t=17.42), and HAMA ((15.57±3.93) vs. (6.10±4.57), t=18.39) (all P<0.001). After adjusting for HAMD 17 scores and medication use, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in changes in PSQI, HAMD 17, and HAMA scores ( P>0.05). A significant time-by-group interaction was found for the PSQI daytime dysfunction subscale ( F=4.87, P<0.01). Conclusion:Both CBT-I and CBT-I Plus improve sleep and emotional symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia disorder and comorbid anxiety/depression symptoms. However, CBT-I Plus has no significant advantages over standard CBT-I. Further studies are needed to refine the timing and content of interventions.
6.The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing successfully prevented organ donation from a deceased donor infected with rabies virus : a case report
Chao LI ; Xin YE ; Wenqing GE ; Zheng ZHOU ; Liangliang WANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(8):610-612
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has emerged as a pivotal tool in the detection and characterization of infectious pathogens in clinical settings, and it has been applied to donor assessment. This case report describes the effective application of mNGS in preventing the transplantation of organs from a donor infected with the rabies virus, who presented with myocarditis. The rapid and accurate identification of the rabies virus through mNGS potentially averted the risk of transmission to organ recipients.
7.Effect of internal iliac artery calcification on delayed graft function and short-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients
Yu HUI ; Linkun HU ; Zheng ZHOU ; Wenqing GE ; Liangliang WANG ; Hao PAN ; Xuedong WEI ; Yuhua HUANG ; Jianquan HOU
Organ Transplantation 2023;14(2):265-
Objective To analyze the correlation between internal iliac artery calcification and delayed graft function (DGF) and short-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 222 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the recovery of renal function, all recipients were divided into the DGF group (
8.Treatment bilateral factors of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia from the perspective of patients
Jingfang LU ; Jingru LI ; Fangmei GE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Wanqi SUN ; Wenqing ZHAO ; Binbin SHI ; Xin LUO ; Chengmei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2023;56(6):445-452
Objective:The current study aims to explore the factors related to the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) from the perspective of patients and to provide references for more effective implementation of CBT-I.Methods:Using qualitative research methods, 21 insomnia patients with depression/anxiety were treated with CBT-I for 8 consecutive times. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD 17), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed at baseline and the end of the 8th week of treatment. The paired sample t-test was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were performed at week 2, week 4, and week 8 respectively and thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the interview data. Results:Compared with baseline data, the symptoms of insomnia (13.6±2.0 vs. 6.9±2.4), depression (14.6±5.5 vs. 5.0±3.6), and anxiety (17.2±3.4 vs. 5.3±3.9) were significantly improved after 8 weeks of CBT-I treatment ( t=-3.31, -3.19, -2.94, all P<0.01). The patient factors influencing the efficacy of CBT-I were treatment expectation and approval, motivation, compliance, and internalization of treatment content. The therapist factors were professionalism, well-directed, treatment style, supervision, and giving hope. Conclusion:Compliance and high levels of participation of the patients can benefit the treatment efficacy of CBT-I. Therapists should have sufficient experience, stimulate patients′ motivation, improve patients′ compliance, and carry out adequate psychological education in the early stage to increase the efficacy of CBT-I.
9.Treatment bilateral factors of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia from the perspective of patients
Jingfang LU ; Jingru LI ; Fangmei GE ; Jie ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Wanqi SUN ; Wenqing ZHAO ; Binbin SHI ; Xin LUO ; Chengmei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2023;56(6):445-452
Objective:The current study aims to explore the factors related to the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) from the perspective of patients and to provide references for more effective implementation of CBT-I.Methods:Using qualitative research methods, 21 insomnia patients with depression/anxiety were treated with CBT-I for 8 consecutive times. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD 17), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed at baseline and the end of the 8th week of treatment. The paired sample t-test was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were performed at week 2, week 4, and week 8 respectively and thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the interview data. Results:Compared with baseline data, the symptoms of insomnia (13.6±2.0 vs. 6.9±2.4), depression (14.6±5.5 vs. 5.0±3.6), and anxiety (17.2±3.4 vs. 5.3±3.9) were significantly improved after 8 weeks of CBT-I treatment ( t=-3.31, -3.19, -2.94, all P<0.01). The patient factors influencing the efficacy of CBT-I were treatment expectation and approval, motivation, compliance, and internalization of treatment content. The therapist factors were professionalism, well-directed, treatment style, supervision, and giving hope. Conclusion:Compliance and high levels of participation of the patients can benefit the treatment efficacy of CBT-I. Therapists should have sufficient experience, stimulate patients′ motivation, improve patients′ compliance, and carry out adequate psychological education in the early stage to increase the efficacy of CBT-I.
10. Progress of hypertension pharmacological treatment
Guijian LIU ; Kuan CHENG ; Wenqing ZHU ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2022;27(4):446-449
Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease. Chinese guidelines for the management of hypertension, the global practice guidelines for hypertension of the International Hypertension Society (ISH) and the guidelines for the treatment of adult hypertension drugs of the World Health Organization have been issued successively, which play an important role in guiding the clinical medication of hypertension. Calcium channel blockers (CCB), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), thiazide diuretics and β-receptor blockers are commonly used in clinical antihypertensive drugs. The goal of hypertension drug control, the application timing of hypertension drugs, the selection of combined medication scheme, the drug selection of hypertension complicated with other diseases, and the medication of gestational hypertension are all problems that clinicians need to master.


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