1.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.
2.Study on the safety and efficacy of micro-perfusion device for preserving isolated porcine limbs
Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Man YUAN ; Xiwei PENG ; Jia LÜ ; Sice WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Xiangyu SONG ; Yixuan ZHU ; Chonghui LI ; Moling XIAO ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):422-431
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-developed micro-normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system (micro-perfusion device) for preserving isolated porcine limbs. Methods Five healthy Landrace pigs were selected, and their left and right forelimbs were randomly divided into the NMP group and static cold storage (SCS) group. The NMP group was perfused with the self-developed micro-perfusion device and polymerized hemoglobin perfusate for 32 hours at normothermia, while the SCS group was preserved at 4 ℃. Hemodynamic parameters such as perfusion pressure and flow were monitored. The pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), lactic acid (Lac), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the perfusate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the muscle tissue structure, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was employed to evaluate muscle cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of time and treatment methods on tissue structure, cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors. Results The device could stably maintain a perfusion pressure of (69±15) mmHg and a flow rate of (117±42) mL/min. The pH value and electrolytes of the perfusate were generally stable, with PO2 maintained at a high level. Lac was maintained at 5.38(3.81, 6.45) mmol/L, while CK and LDH increased over time. After 32 hours of perfusion in the NMP group, both the myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate were better than those in the SCS group. Mixed-effects model analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate per unit time (both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6 between the two groups, and mixed-effects model analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on TNF-α and IL-6 per unit time (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The micro-perfusion device used in this study may achieve 32-hour normothermic preservation in a porcine limb amputation model, maintain basic metabolism and ionic homeostasis, reduce muscle structural damage and cell apoptosis without inducing additional inflammatory responses. This technology is expected to significantly extend the time window for replantation of amputated limbs in disaster rescue and long-distance transportation, providing an important technical basis for clinical translation and subsequent replantation research.
3.Effect of Jianpi Qinghua Granules on Blood Glucose Fluctuations and Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Yuan CHEN ; Qiuyue GUO ; Yanyan XIAO ; Hao LU ; Chi CHEN ; Junfei XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):218-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Jianpi Qinghua granules on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed overweight/obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome from the perspective of skeletal muscle mass and function, while providing new insights for the treatment of diabetes. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. A total of 110 newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group (54 cases) or the control group (56 cases). Patients in the TCM group received Jianpi Qinghua Granules, while those in the control group received a placebo. Both groups underwent dietary and exercise guidance. After 12 weeks of intervention, blood glucose fluctuations were assessed using the following parameters: time in the target blood glucose range (TIR), mean daily blood glucose (MBG), standard deviation of mean daily blood glucose (SDBG), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (CV), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) achievement rate, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2 hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG). Skeletal muscle mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), while skeletal muscle function was evaluated using a handheld dynamometer for distal muscle strength and a 5-time sit-to-stand test for lower limb function. Additionally, pancreatic islet function and TCM syndrome scores were analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups before intervention, ensuring comparability. After treatment, compared to the control group, the TCM group showed a significant increase in TIR (P<0.01). While the SDBG and CV decreased, and MBG and MAGE increased in the TCM group, these differences were not statistically significant. Notably, the TCM group exhibited significant reductions in 2 hPG (P<0.01) and HbA1c (P<0.05), though the decrease in FPG was not statistically significant. The HbA1c achievement rate in the TCM group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2=45.498, P<0.01). In terms of skeletal muscle mass and function, the TCM group demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength (P<0.01) and a significant reduction in the 5-time sit-to-stand duration (P<0.05). However, although body fat percentage increased, leading to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and the ratio of skeletal muscle to fat, these changes were not statistically significant. For pancreatic islet function, the TCM group showed significant reductions in fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P<0.01). Additionally, the TCM syndrome score in the TCM group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionJianpi Qinghua granules may reduce blood glucose fluctuations in newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome by enhancing skeletal muscle function, improving pancreatic islet function, and ameliorating related TCM syndromes.
4.Identification and Biological Characterization of Pathogen and Screening of Effective Fungicides for Wilt of Tetradium ruticarpum
Yuxin LIU ; Qin XU ; Yue YUAN ; Tiantian GUO ; Zheng'en XIAO ; Shaotian ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Fuqiang YIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):198-206
ObjectiveTo identify the pathogen species responsible for the wilt disease of Tetradium ruticarpum in Chongqing, investigate there biological characteristics, and screen effective fungicides, so as to provide a theoretical basis for disease control in production. MethodsThe pathogen was isolated via the tissue culture method. Pathogenicity was verified according to Koch's postulates. The pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The mycelial growth rate method was used for biological characterization of the pathogen and fungicide screening. ResultsThe pathogen colonies were nearly circular with irregular edges, white, short, velvety aerial hyphae, and pale purple undersides. Macroconidia were colorless, sickle-shaped, with 3-5 septa, while microconidia were transparent, elliptical, aseptate or with 1-2 septa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis showed that the pathogen clustered in the same clade as Fusarium fujikuroi with 100% support, which, combined with morphological characteristics, identified the pathogen causing wilt of T. ruticarpum in Chongqing as F. fujikuroi. The optimal conditions for the mycelial growth of F. fujikuroi were mung bean agar (MBA) with glucose as the carbon source, beef extract and yeast powder as nitrogen sources, 28 ℃, pH 7.0, and alternating light/dark conditions. The optimal conditions for sporulation were potato dextrose agar (PDA) with glucose as the carbon source, beef extract as the nitrogen source, 28 ℃, pH 7.0, and complete darkness. Among chemical fungicides, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on F. fujikuroi. Shenqinmycin and tetramycin were the most effective bio-fungicides. ConclusionThis study is the first to report F. fujikuroi as the causal agent of wilt disease in T. rutaecarpa. The chemical fungicide phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and the bio-fungicides shenqinmycin and tetramycin showed strong inhibitory effects against F. fujikuroi.
5.Application of radiology in acute-on-chronic liver failure
Han XIAO ; Yuhang YUAN ; Weiling XU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):222-227
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome of multiple organ failure on the basis of underlying chronic liver disease and has an extremely high short-term mortality rate, while there is still a lack of unified diagnostic criteria around the world. Radiology plays an important role in the evaluation and prognostic prediction of ACLF, constituting a multi-dimensional assessment system covering morphology, function, and hemodynamics. Computed tomography can be used for the measurement of liver volume and the diagnosis of sarcopenia by providing key morphological and nutritional parameters. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI, enables quantitative assessment of liver function and has critical significance for predicting short-term survival rate. Ultrasonography and elastography techniques facilitate the early warning of ACLF onset and the dynamic monitoring of its progression through noninvasive measurement of liver stiffness and hemodynamic parameters. This article systematically reviews the pivotal role of these three imaging modalities in the diagnosis and monitoring of ACLF, and integrating the strengths of multiple imaging techniques with clinical indicators to construct diagnostic and prognostic models may become a key future direction for achieving early intervention and improving clinical outcomes in ACLF.
6.Current status of occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration in Guangdong Province in 2025
Guoyong XU ; Bin XIAO ; Yuan PANG ; Mingzhen LAI ; Yongjian JIANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):988-993
Background Although hand-arm vibration syndrome has traditionally been reported more frequently in colder northern regions, recent cases in Guangdong Province, a subtropical region in the south, exhibit a certain degree of clustering in terms of industry distribution and company size, and for a period of time, they account for a high proportion of the total number of cases reported nationwide. Objective To describe the occupational exposure profile of hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) in Guangdong Province in 2025 and to compare exposure levels across industries, enterprise sizes, and occupational categories. Methods Data were sourced from the Guangdong Provincial Occupational Health Quality Control Platform, to which occupational health technical service institutions across Guangdong Province submitted relevant reports in 2025. The dataset included employers with documented HTV hazards, measurement results, and the number of exposed workers. Exposure levels were categorized into four grades according to the 4-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted vibration acceleration: Grade I (<1 m·s−2), Grade II (1-2.5 m·s−2), Grade III (>2.5-5 m·s−2), and Grade IV (>5 m·s−2). Results A total of 12468 employers with identifiable HTV exposure were identified through the platform in 2025, of which 11710 (93.92%) were in the manufacturing sector. By enterprise scale, 274 (2.20%) were large, 934 (7.49%) were medium-sized, 8 749 (70.17%) were small, and 2511 (20.14%) were micro-sized enterprises, with small enterprises accounting for the largest proportion. Among 22298 job posts with identified HTV exposure, grinding, assembly, polishing, burnishing, and welding were the most common tasks. The M (P25, P75) 4-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration [a(4)] was 2.1 (1.5, 2.7) m·s−2, with values ranging from 0.1 to 16.2 m·s−2. Exposure levels were distributed as follows: Grade I, 2835 posts (12.71%); Grade II, 12761 posts, (57.23%); Grade III, 6690 posts, (30.00%); and Grade IV, 12 posts (0.05%), with Grade Ⅱ posts accounting for the largest proportion. Within the manufacturing sector, 21013 exposed job posts were identified, accounting for 94.24% of all exposed posts. Twelve job posts exceeded the occupational exposure limit, of which nine were polishing positions. A total of 115955 workers were exposed to HTV, primarily in manufacturing (110879; 95.62%). Among the exposed workers, 21237, 23454, 65047, and 6217 were employed in large, medium, small, and micro-sized enterprises, respectively. Grinding, assembly, polishing, deburring, and welding were the five most common occupational categories among the exposed workers. The distribution of worker by exposure grade was similar to that of exposed posts: Grade I, 11921 workers (10.28%); Grade II, 65463 workers (56.46%); Grade III, 38447 workers (33.16%); and Grade IV, 124 workers (0.11%). Conclusion In Guangdong Province, HTV exposure is mainly concentrated in the manufacturing sector, particularly in metal product manufacturing, and commonly involves tasks such as grinding, assembly, and polishing. Both exposed enterprises and exposed workers are predominantly concentrated in small enterprises. Grade II exposure accounts for the largest proportion of both exposed job posts and exposed workers, and some workers are at a risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome. These findings suggest that targeted occupational management and comprehensive control measures should be strengthened to reduce HTV exposure and prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome.
7.Expert consensus on weight management for adult solid organ transplant recipients with overweight or obesity(2025 edition)
Jing SHEN ; Ning LI ; Qinan WU ; Chun XU ; Mingxia YUAN ; Xinhua XIAO
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):672-700
In recent years,the prevalence of overweight/obesity in solid organ transplant recipients has been rising rapidly.Clinical research evidence on obesity in solid organ transplant recipients has been increasing,but there is a lack of standardized diagnostic and treatment guidelines and comprehensive management pathways to guide clinical practice.Based on this,the Expert Consensus on Weight Management in Overweight or Obese Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients(2025 Edition)was organized and written by experts from the Diabetes Professional Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association.This consensus mainly provides recommendations on the epidemiological data,diagnostic criteria,screening and assessment methods,management pathways,and intervention strategies for overweight/obesity in solid organ transplant recipients.It aims to further improve the management level of medical workers engaged in the whole process of organ transplantation for the population with overweight/obesity combined with solid organ transplantation,standardize clinical diagnosis and treatment,improve patient prognosis,and enhance quality of life.
8.Antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella pneu-moniae in intensive care unit environment based on whole genome sequencing
Bowen YANG ; Yuanping WANG ; Yiying XU ; Wenqing WANG ; Tongsheng XU ; Lingyue YUAN ; Bing ZHAO ; Xiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(9):1229-1236
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP),hyperviru-lent Klebsiella pneumoniae(hvKP),carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP),and hypervirulent car-bapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(hv-CRKP/CR-hvKP)in the environment of general intensive care unit(ICU)at medical institutions,and provide reference for environment assessment as well as healthcare-associated in-fection(HAI)prevention and control in ICU.Methods A total of 3 336 environmental specimens were collected from general ICUs of medical institutions in Shanghai in 2019 and 2023.After strain isolation,antimicrobial suscep-tibility testing and whole genome sequencing were conducted.Results The detection rate of KP was 1.59%(n=53),among which hvKP,CRKP,and hv-CRKP/CR-hvKP accounted for 37.74%(20/53),52.83%(28/53),and 24.53%(13/53)of the total detected strains,respectively.The main types of hvKP were ST11-KL64 and ST11-KL25,CRKP were ST15-KL19 and ST11-KL25,hv-CRKP/CR-hvKP were ST11-KL25 and ST11-KL64.The main carried resistance genes included fosA,oqx AB,tet(A),blaTEM-1B,blaKPC-2,qnrS11,etc.All strains carried viru-lence genes fimH,iutA,ent A,entB,entC,entD,entE,and entF,with only one strain carrying rmp A gene.Conclusion KP contamination is widespread in general ICU environment of medical institutions,predominantly ST11 and ST15,presenting a polymorphic distribution.CRKP and hvKP account for a relatively high proportion,and multidrug resistance is serious.Co-evolution of drug resistance and virulence presents in KP,and poses signifi-cant infection and pathogenic risks to patients,necessitating enhanced clinical vigilance and preparedness for poten-tial outbreaks.
9.Characterization and spatial distribution of new infections in the newly reported HIV-1 infected population in Luzhou city
Yu AI ; Ming YU ; Dan YUAN ; Wengping XU ; Ticheng XIAO ; Liao FENG ; Peibin ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):75-80
Objective:To understand the characteristics of new infections in the newly reported HIV-1 infected population in Luzhou, to find out the characteristics of the high-risk population, which may provide a basis for developing precise prevention and control measures locally.Methods:HIV-1 LAg Avidity EIA test was applied for newly reported cases in Luzhou from 2018 to 2021. The chi-square test was used for univariate analysis, logistic regression model for multivariate analysis, and spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis were applied to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of new infections in Luzhou city.Results:A total of 4 494 cases reported in the odd-numbered months were selected for testing, with 673 newly infected cases and the proportion of newly infected cases was 14.98%. Newly infected cases were predominantly male (472/673, 70.13%), married (335/673, 49.78%), heterosexual transmission (621/673, 92.27%), age>50 years (520/673, 77.27%), and junior high school or lower education (599/673, 89.00%). The proportion of new infections in each year were 11.74% (129/1 099), 17.11% (247/1 444), 13.57% (154/1 134) and 17.50% (143/817), respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=20.024, P<0.001) and an upward trend ( χ2=5.997, P=0.014). There were statistically significant differences in different transmission routes, gender, education level, occupation, sample source and residence (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, marital status, transmission route, current address, and sample source were all influencing factors for new infections. There are spatial autocorrelation characteristics of new case incidence in 2018 and 2021, hotspot areas gradually shifted from dispersed to relatively concentrated, with the number fluctuating with reported year. Conclusions:The proportion of new HIV-1 infections in Luzhou is relatively low throughout the province, but it is on the rise. The proportion of new infections is higher among youth, students, homosexual transmission, and retired persons. Attention should be focused on hotspot areas and routine surveillance and testing of key populations in hotspot areas should be strengthened.
10.The effect and mechanism of Jianpi Qinghua granule in improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by cadmium exposure in rats
Chi CHEN ; Yuan CHEN ; Ningjian WANG ; Junfei XU ; Xu HAN ; Yanyan XIAO ; Jing TIAN ; Chao WANG ; Mengjie CAI ; Qingguang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(1):54-60
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Qinghua granule in improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by long-term low-dose cadmium exposure in rats.Methods:A total of 24 SPF-grade healthy 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to normal control(NC) group, cadmium exposure(Cd) group, and Jianpi Qinghua granule protection(Cd+ JPQHG) group. After 24 weeks, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were measured, and HOMA-IR was calculated. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were conducted to assess insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle tissues were extracted for Western blot analysis to detect levels of insulin signaling pathway-related proteins. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the translocation of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4), and oxidative stress markers were measured.Results:Compared to the NC group, the Cd group showed significant increases in fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR after 24-week exposure. Abnormal glucose and insulin tolerance were also observed in the Cd group. The 12-week intervention with Jianpi Qinghua granule significantly improved glucose metabolism and alleviated the abnormalities in glucose and insulin tolerance. Western blot results indicated that the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt in the skeletal muscle of the Cd group were significantly reduced compared to the NC group, while these levels were significantly elevated in the Cd+ JPQHG group, along with increased translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane. Additionally, cadmium exposure significantly increased H 2O 2 and malondialdehyde levels while decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. These oxidative stress indicators improved significantly after Jianpi Qinghua granule intervention( P<0.05). Conclusion:Jianpi Qinghua granule may improve skeletal muscle insulin resistance and glucose metabolism disorders due to long-term low-dose cadmium exposure by reducing oxidative stress, regulating the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway, and promoting GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane.

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