1.Surveillance results of respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen, 2017-2023
WANG Xin, FANG Shisong, WU Weihua, LIU Hui, SUN Ying, ZOU Xuan, TANG Xiujuan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):435-437
Objective:
To analyze respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) outbreaks surveillance results and the epidemiological characteristics in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen during 2017-2023 , so as to provide a scientific reference for control and prevention of RSV.
Methods:
Epidemiological data and surveillance results of RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school from 2017 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analyses.
Results:
A total of 31 RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten and school in 2017-2023 in Shenzhen, 346 cases were reported, the average incidence rate was 22.02%. The most annual RSV outbreaks were reported in 2020 with 14 outbreaks, followed by 8 outbreaks in 2023. A total of 64.52% of RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten with rest occurring in primary school or middle school. The greatest monthly count of outbreak was 18 (58.06%) in September, followed by 3 outbreaks (9.68%) in March and October. A total of 244 swab samples were collected, 169 samples were positive for respiratory viruses, the positive rate was 69.26%, 121 samples were positive for RSV,from 31 respiratory syncytical virus outbreaks 57 and samples were positive for other respiratory viruses(9 samples were positive for two respiratory viruses). A toral of 14(45.16%) outbreaks are caused by RSV alone, 17 outbreaks (54.84%) were caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses.
Conclusions
Most RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school are reported after 2020 in Shenzhen, most RSV outbreaks occur in kindergarten, peak seasons of RSV outbreaks are autumn and spring.
2.Prevalence and related factors of screening myopia among students in special education schools in Tianjin
XI Wei, HAN Hui, XIONG Wenjuan, HAN Yu, WANG Hui, ZHANG Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):443-446
Objective:
To understand the current situation and related factors of screening myopia among students in special education schools, so as to provide evidence for promoting the health level of this population.
Methods:
From November 2021 to December 2023, a total of 281 students from 6 special education schools in 5 districts of Tianjin were selected by cluster random sampling method for computer optometry visual acuity examination for non ciliary paralysis and questionnaire survey. Multiple Logistic regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of screening myopia among special education students.
Results:
The screening myopia detection rate among these special education students in Tianjin was 27.0%, and the screening myopia detection rates of students with autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities were 22.4%, 12.5%, and 33.0%, respectively. The degree of myopia increased with age ( χ 2 trend =22.65, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(10-13 years old: OR =5.40, 14-17 years old: OR =8.40, 18-23 years old: OR =6.02), accommodation(non resident: OR =0.29), daily mobile phone usage ≥2 hours ( OR =2.37), and daily computer/tablet usage ≥2 hours ( OR =2.70) were the risk factors for screening myopia among special education students ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rate and degree of screening myopia increase with age in special education students. Prolonged screen time exposure is a primary risk factor for screening myopia in special education students. Effective myopia prevention and control strategies should be designed according to the characteristics of special education students.
3.The implementation situations, opportunities, and challenges of China’s integrated elderly care and medical services model and comprehensive care for the elderly
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(3):289-295
China’s integrated elderly care and medical services model is mainly reflected in the close cooperation between medical institutions and pension institutions, providing comprehensive care services for the elderly, and has been promoted nationwide. However, this model still faces challenges, such as uneven resource distribution, inconsistent service standards, and a lack of talent. As the aging process of the population deepens continuously, the demand for integrated elderly care and medical services has increased, and relevant policies issued by the government and social concerns have brought development opportunities for this model. Scientific and technological advancements will also promote the development of integrated elderly care and medical services towards intelligence and personalization. It is expected that continuous investment in policies, capital, technology, and other aspects will be made to promote the standardization, specialization, and popularization of services to meet the needs of the elderly and improve their quality of life. The joint efforts of all sectors of society are also needed to continuously innovate service models and improve service levels, to effectively address the challenges brought by an aging society.
4.Bufei Tongbi Decoction Inhibits Pulmonary Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats via TGF-β1/p-Smad3 Signaling Pathway
Gang WANG ; Rensong YUE ; Qiyue YANG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):176-184
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Bufei Tongbi decoction on pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated Smad family member 3 (p-Smad3) signaling pathway. MethodsStreptozotocin (60 mg·kg-1) and bleomycin (24.80 U·kg-1) were used to prepare the rat model of diabetes with pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.98, 7.95, and 15.90 g·kg-1, respectively) Bufei Tongbi decoction, and pirfenidone (0.36 mg·kg-1) groups (n=10). The successfully modeled rats in each group were administrated with corresponding agents once per day for four consecutive weeks. After drug administration, fasting blood glucose and lung function indicators were measured. Chemical immunoassay was employed to determine the serum levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN). The lung index was determined by the wet and dry methods. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the degree of fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad3, Smad3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1), and fibronectin were determined by PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed alveolar septa thickening, obvious thickening of the basement membrane of pulmonary blood vessels, severe destruction of the alveolar structure, structural disarrangement of the lung parenchyma, and an increase in the proportion of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue, together with a large amount of blue collagen deposition and a large amount of collagen fibroplasia in the bronchial wall, vessel wall, interstitium, and alveolar wall, which indicated severe fibrosis. Bufei Tongbi decoction groups and the pirfenidone group showed lower fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05) and higher forced vital capacity (FVC), cytoplasmic dynein (Cydn), FEV0.3/FEV ratio, and lung index (P<0.05) than the model group. Moreover, these groups demonstrated alleviated lung fibrosis, elevated Hyp, HA, and LN levels, down-regulated mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, p-Smad3, α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin (P<0.05). ConclusionBufei Tongbi decoction can inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/p-Smad3 signaling pathway.
5.Study on the traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in 757 cases of children with hepatolenticular degeneration based on factor analysis and cluster analysis
Daiping HUA ; Han WANG ; Qiaoyu XUAN ; Lanting SUN ; Ling XIN ; Xin YIN ; Wenming YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):303-311
Objective:
To explore the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in children with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease, WD) based on factor analysis and cluster analysis.
Methods:
From November 2018 to November 2023, general information (gender, age of admission, age of onset, course of disease, clinical staging, Western medicine clinical symptoms, and family history) and TCM four-examination informations (symptoms and signs) were retrospectively collected from 757 cases of children with WD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, and factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to investigate TCM syndromes in children with WD.
Results:
A total of 757 children with WD were included, of which 483 were male and 274 were female; the median age at admission was 12.58 years, the median age at onset was 8.33 years, and the median course of disease was 24.37 months; clinical typing result indicated 506 cases of hepatic type, 133 cases of brain type, 99 cases of mixed-type, and 19 cases of other type; 36.46% of the children had no clinical symptoms (elevated aminotransferases or abnormalities in copper biochemistry); a total of 177 cases had a definite family history, and 10 cases had a suspected family history. Forty-three TCM four-examination information were obtained, with the top 10 in descending order being feeling listless and weak, brown urine, slow action, inappetence, dim complexion, slurred speech, angular salivation, body weight loss, hand and foot tremors, and abdominal fullness. In children with WD, the syndrome element of disease location was primarily characterized by the liver, involving the spleen and kidney, and the syndrome elements of disease nature were characterized by dampness, heat, and yin deficiency. Based on factor analysis and cluster analysis, five TCM syndromes were derived, which were, in order, syndrome of dampness-heat accumulation (265 cases, 35.01%), syndrome of yin deficiency of the liver and kidney (202 cases, 26.68%), syndrome of liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency (185 cases, 24.44%), syndrome of qi and blood deficiency (79 cases, 10.44%), and syndrome of yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney (26 cases, 3.43%).
Conclusion
The TCM syndromes of children with WD were primarily syndromes of dampness-heat accumulation, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, and liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency. The liver was the main disease location, and the disease nature was characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality, excess and deficiency mixed. These findings suggest that treating children with WD should be based on the liver while also considering the spleen and kidney.
6.The Ferroptosis-inducing Compounds in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Xin-Die WANG ; Da-Li FENG ; Xiang CUI ; Su ZHOU ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Zhi-Qiang GAO ; Li-Li ZOU ; Jun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):804-819
Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death modality discovered and defined in the last decade, is primarily induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. At present, it has been found that ferroptosis is involved in various physiological functions such as immune regulation, growth and development, aging, and tumor suppression. Especially its role in tumor biology has attracted extensive attention and research. Breast cancer is one of the most common female tumors, characterized by high heterogeneity and complex genetic background. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, which lacks conventional breast cancer treatment targets and is prone to drug resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs and has a low cure rate after progression and metastasis. There is an urgent need to find new targets or develop new drugs. With the increase of studies on promoting ferroptosis in breast cancer, it has gradually attracted attention as a treatment strategy for breast cancer. Some studies have found that certain compounds and natural products can act on TNBC, promote their ferroptosis, inhibit cancer cells proliferation, enhance sensitivity to radiotherapy, and improve resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To promote the study of ferroptosis in TNBC, this article summarized and reviewed the compounds and natural products that induce ferroptosis in TNBC and their mechanisms of action. We started with the exploration of the pathways of ferroptosis, with particular attention to the System Xc--cystine-GPX4 pathway and iron metabolism. Then, a series of compounds, including sulfasalazine (SAS), metformin, and statins, were described in terms of how they interact with cells to deplete glutathione (GSH), thereby inhibiting the activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and preventing the production of lipid peroxidases. The disruption of the cellular defense against oxidative stress ultimately results in the death of TNBC cells. We have also our focus to the realm of natural products, exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for TNBC. These herbal extracts exhibit multi-target effects and good safety, and have shown promising capabilities in inducing ferroptosis in TNBC cells. We believe that further exploration and characterization of these natural compounds could lead to the development of a new generation of cancer therapeutics. In addition to traditional chemotherapy, we discussed the role of drug delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Nanoparticles such as exosomes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential while minimizing systemic side effects. Although preclinical data on ferroptosis inducers are relatively robust, their translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages. We also emphasize the urgent need for more in-depth and comprehensive research to understand the complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in TNBC. This is crucial for the rational design and development of clinical trials, as well as for leveraging ferroptosis to improve patient outcomes. Hoping the above summarize and review could provide references for the research and development of lead compounds for the treatment for TNBC.
7.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
8.Mass Spectrometry-based Cell Imaging
Peng ZHOU ; Xin WANG ; Qian LUO ; Chao ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):858-868
Cell models can simulate a variety of life states and disease developments, including single cells, two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids, and organoids. They are essential tools for addressing complex biochemical questions. With continuous advancements in biological and cellular analysis technologies, in vitro cellular models designed to answer scientific questions have evolved rapidly. Early in vitro models primarily relied on 2D systems, which failed to accurately replicate the complex cellular compositions and microenvironmental interactions observed in vivo, let alone support sophisticated investigations into cellular biological functions. Subsequent improvements in cell culture techniques led to the development of 3D culture-based models, such as cellular spheroids. The advent of pluripotent stem cell technology further advanced the development of organoid systems, which closely mimic human organ development. Compared to traditional 2D models, both 3D cellular models and organoids offer significant advantages, including personalization and enhanced physiological relevance, making them particularly suitable for exploring molecular mechanisms of disease progression, discovering novel cellular and biomolecular functions, and conducting related studies. The imaging analysis of common cellular models primarily employs labeling-based methods for in situ imaging of targeted genes, proteins, and small-molecule metabolites, enabling further research on cell types, states, metabolism, and drug efficacy. However, these approaches have drawbacks such as poor labeling specificity and complex experimental procedures. By using cells as experimental models, mass spectrometry technology combined with morphological analysis can reveal quantitative changes and spatial distributions of various biological substances at the spatiotemporal level, including metabolites, proteins, lipids, peptides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and metals. This allows for the investigation of cell-cell interactions, tumor microenvironments, and cellular bioinformational heterogeneity. The application of these cutting-edge imaging technologies generates vast amounts of cellular data, necessitating the development of rapid, efficient, and highly accurate image data algorithms for precise segmentation and identification of single cells, multi-organelle structures, rare cell subpopulations, and complex cellular morphologies. A critical focus lies in creating deep learning models and algorithms that enhance the accuracy of cellular visualization. At the same time, establishing more robust data integration tools is essential not only for analyzing and interpreting outputs but also for effectively uncovering the biological significance of spatially resolved mass spectrometry data. Developing a cell imaging platform with high versatility, operational stability, and specificity to enable data interoperability will significantly enhance its utility in clinical research, thereby advancing investigations into disease molecular mechanisms and supporting precision diagnostics and therapeutics. In contrast to genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information, the metabolome can rapidly respond to external stimuli and cellular physiological changes within a short timeframe. This rapid and precise reflection of ongoing cellular state alterations has positioned spatial metabolomics as a pivotal approach for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes in cells, tissues, and organisms. In this review, we summarize research on cell imaging based on mass spectrometry technologies, including the selection and preparation of cell models, morphological analysis of cell models, spatial omics techniques based on mass spectrometry, mass cytometry, and their applications. We also discuss the current challenges and propose future directions for development in this field.
9.The Function of FoxA Gene in Evolution, Development, and Disease
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):869-881
The FoxA genes belong to a conserved family of transcription factors, that play a crucial role in regulating embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and disease pathogenesis. Initially identified as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3α (Hnf3α), FoxA is pivotal in activating liver-specific genes and contributing to liver morphogenesis. Studies have shown that FoxA proteins interact with specific DNA sequences and nucleosome-bound DNA, altering the local chromatin structure to regulate gene expression. The unique ability has earned them the designation of “pioneer factors”. The FoxA family comprises three members: FoxA1, FoxA2, and FoxA3. FoxA1 is predominantly expressed in endoderm-derived organs such as the lungs, liver, pancreas, and prostate, where it regulates hormone metabolism, cell cycle, and cell proliferation. FoxA2 is primarily expressed in the floor plate of the vertebrate spinal cord, where it plays a key role in establishing the dorsal-ventral patterning of the neural tube. FoxA3 is mainly expressed in the testes, where it regulates germ cell formation. FoxA genes exhibit functional diversity in embryonic development across different species, offering insights into their evolutionary roles. For instance, zebrafish embryos with mutations in the foxa2-/- gene can survive, providing an opportunity to study embryonic development mechanisms. Currently, a growing body of research suggests that FoxA genes are involved in early embryonic development, cancer, and metabolism-related diseases. This paper summarizes the discovery, expression patterns, and biological functions of the FoxA genes while identifying key scientific questions that remain unresolved. It aims to provide readers a solid scientific basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms through which FoxA genes regulate embryonic development and contribute to cancer pathogenesis.
10.The mechanism of effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions in treatment of chronic pancreatitis by intervening against pancreatic stellate cells
Ruyang CHENG ; Weining SONG ; Xin JIANG ; Yehao WANG ; Lin LIU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):793-800
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and progressive damage to pancreatic tissue, and its deterioration may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with CP, which seriously threatens the health of patients with CP. In recent years, studies on the pathogenesis of CP have mostly focused on the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and its role in pancreatic fibrosis. This article elaborates on the mechanism of action of PSCs in CP, summarizes the current status of research on effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions for intervention of PSCs in the treatment of chronic CP, and proposes the future research directions for effective traditional Chinese medicine components and prescriptions, so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of CP patients in the future.


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