1.Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a manganese enterprise
Tianzi SHAN ; Junxiang MA ; Tian CHEN ; Kang NONG ; Yucheng SUN ; Xueting WANG ; Gaoman ZHANG ; Teng MA ; Zhuoran XIA ; Fengtao CUI ; Li CHEN ; Yanyan ZHENG ; Piye NIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):333-340
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern, particularly among workers exposed to adverse ergonomic conditions. Manganese production involves heavy physical demands, yet research on WMSDs among manganese workers remains limited. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among manganese workers in a manganese enterprise in Guangxi. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024 on workers at a manganese factory in Guangxi. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms, and work-related exposures. χ2 test was applied to compare differences in positive WMSDs rates across groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. Results A total of 1476 workers were enrolled in the study after pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 34.15%. The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (17.28%), neck (16.67%), and shoulders (13.82%). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that female, older age, and education level of college or above were associated with a higher risk of WMSDs (P<0.05). Awkward working postures were significantly associated with WMSDs in corresponding body regions; in particular, awkward postures of the neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs were related to an increased risk of WMSDs in multiple body sites (P<0.05). In addition, poor lighting conditions, high workplace temperature, frequent or sustained arm support during work, and high job demands were associated with an increased risk of overall or site-specific WMSDs (P<0.05). Conclusion The high prevalence of WMSDs among manganese workers is closely associated with demographic characteristics, working postures, and work environment and organizational factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions focusing on high-risk body regions and key ergonomic exposures are warranted to reduce the risk of WMSDs among manganese workers.
2.Mechanism of activating transcription factor 4 promoting benign prostatic hyperplasia using single-cell RNA sequencing
Junyan XU ; Yuhan GUO ; Jiaohuang CHEN ; Xueting SUN ; Zhong WANG ; Yanting SHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(5):460-466
Objective To investigate the role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying BPH progression. Methods Firstly, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of ATF4 and the volume of prostate transition zone in BPH tissues using publicly available datasets. Subsequently, we explored the potential association among ATF4, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and BPH through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Finally, we validated the findings by silencing ATF4 and treating BPH cells with ATF4 protein inhibitors, followed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), CCK-8 assay, and Western blot. Results The expression of ATF4 in BPH tissues exhibited a significant positive correlation with the volume of prostate transition zone (r=0.64, P<0.05). scRNA-seq analysis revealed that ATF4 was significantly upregulated in the prostate epithelial cells of BPH patients (P<0.05), and its expression demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the Hallmark EMT singscore (r=0.14, P<0.05). In vitro experiments further indicated that knockdown of ATF4 led to a significant reduction in the proliferative activity of BPH-1 cells (P<0.05). Similarly, inhibition of ATF4 activity resulted in a marked decrease in the proliferative capacity and EMT of BPH-1 cells (P<0.05). Conclusion ATF4 may exert a promoting effect on BPH by modulating the EMT signaling pathway;therefore, ATF4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target of BPH.
3.Changes in health status and management strategies for workers in a chemical enterprise under low-level multiple occupational exposure
Xueting WANG ; Jiming ZHANG ; Yulai TIAN ; Zhiping DUAN ; Wenjie LI ; Chaoye SHEN ; Dasheng LU ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):693-701
Background Long-term occupational health surveillance facilitates the identification of chronic health risks arising from occupational hazard exposures. However, under low-level exposure conditions in chemical enterprises, traditional workplace-centered risk assessment models are insufficient to fully explain the observed health effects among workers, highlighting the need for individual-focused health management strategies that focus on the worker. Objective To characterize long-term health trends among workers in a chemical enterprise and examine the limitations of workplace hazard monitoring and health surveillance under low-level multiple exposure scenarios, thereby providing a scientific basis for more comprehensive worker health protection measures. Methods We analyzed 972 occupational health examination records collected over a 15-year period (2010–2024) from a chemical enterprise, integrating these with enterprise hazard monitoring reports and workshop air monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The annual counts and prevalences of abnormalities in liver function tests, metabolic syndrome-related indicators, and liver imaging were summarized. Temporal trends were evaluated using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Time-related changes in abnormal health indicators among active workers were evaluated by generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs), adjusting for age and sex. Individual longitudinal profiles were described for nine workers with continuous 15-year records. In addition, paired comparisons of health outcomes were conducted for 81 workers with both pre-employment and periodic examinations. Results Workplace hazard monitoring indicated that airborne concentrations of major occupational contaminants including VOCs, acids and bases, dust, and physical factors were below national occupational exposure limits. However, 62 VOC species—including chlorobenzene, chloromethane, and cyclohexane—were detected in workshop air, suggesting complex mixed organic solvent exposure. From 2010 to 2015, occupational health examination records were primarily based on physicians’ qualitative assessment, yielding generally low abnormality detection rates. During 2016–2024, data collection was complete, and the prevalences of abnormalities in liver function, metabolic syndrome-related indicators, and liver imaging among active workers remained relatively high. Trend analysis indicated that only the abnormality rates of total bilirubin (TBIL) and hypertension showed statistically significant temporal trends; other indicators exhibited no significant linear changes despite high prevalences. After adjusting for age and sex, the GLMMs showed that the abnormality rates of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), TBIL, and hypertension decreased over time, whereas those of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty liver increased. In a subgroup of 9 workers with continuous 15-year follow-up data, the cumulative number of abnormal health indicators increased in several individuals after 2016. Among the 81 workers with both pre-employment and periodic records, abnormalities in total cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index, and fatty liver were significantly more prevalent after employment over time, whereas changes in liver function enzymes were not statistically significant. Conclusion With increasing age, workers exhibit a gradual deterioration in liver function and metabolic-related health indicators, reaching abnormality rates comparable to those reported in the general population. These findings suggest that both workplace-related and non-occupational factors jointly contribute to the observed health changes. Consequently, occupational health management should shift towards an "individual-centered" approach. Enhancing workers' health literacy, strengthening workplace health promotion, and extending occupational health services beyond the workplace are essential to comprehensively protect workers' health.
4.Challenges and future directions of medicine with artificial intelligence
Xiaoqin ZHOU ; Huizhen LIU ; Ting WANG ; Xueting LIU ; Fang LIU ; Deying KANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):244-251
This comprehensive review systematically explores the multifaceted applications, inherent challenges, and promising future directions of artificial intelligence (AI) within the medical domain. It meticulously examines AI's specific contributions to basic medical research, disease prevention, intelligent diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, and health management. Furthermore, the review delves into AI's innovative practices and pivotal roles in clinical trials, hospital administration, medical education, as well as the realms of medical ethics and policy formulation. Notably, the review identifies several key challenges confronting AI in healthcare, encompassing issues such as inadequate algorithm transparency, data privacy concerns, absent regulatory standards, and incomplete risk assessment frameworks. Looking ahead, the future trajectory of AI in healthcare encompasses enhancing algorithm interpretability, propelling generative AI applications, establishing robust data-sharing mechanisms, refining regulatory policies and standards, nurturing interdisciplinary talent, fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and medical institutions, and advancing inclusive, personalized precision medicine. Emphasizing the synergy between AI and emerging technologies like 5G, big data, and cloud computing, this review anticipates a new era of intelligent collaboration and inclusive sharing in healthcare. Through a multidimensional analysis, it presents a holistic overview of AI's medical applications and development prospects, catering to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, this review aims to catalyze the deep integration and innovative deployment of AI technology in healthcare, thereby driving the sustainable advancement of smart healthcare.
5.Inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on cisplatin-induced liver injury in mice and its mechanism
Kaiqi NIU ; He CHANG ; Guangfu LYU ; Pengyu ZHENG ; Xueting CHI ; Jia ZHOU ; Yuchen WANG ; Xiaowei HUANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):370-377
Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on cisplatin(CDDP)-induced liver injury in the mice,and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice with body weights of 18-22 g were randomly divided into control group,model group,AS-Ⅳ group and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)inhibitor(Compound C)+AS-Ⅳ group.The mice in control group and model group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline,and the drug was administered continuously for 9 d.The mice in AS-Ⅳ group and Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were given AS-Ⅳ aqueous solution(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),respectively.On the 6th day of experiment,the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were intraperitoneally injected with Compound C(20 mg·kg-1),and on the 7th day,except for control group,the mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg·kg-1 CDDP to establish the mouse liver injury models,and the mice were sacrificed 48 h later.Serum and liver tissues were collected,and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in the serum of the mice,as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in the liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by kits.The pathomorphology of liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by HE staining.The expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)and ferroptosis inhibitory protein 1(FSP1)proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression levels of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by Western blotting method.Results:Compared with control group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in model group were increased(P<0.01),the activities of SOD and CAT in the liver tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the MDA level was increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.01),the MDA level in the liver tissue was decreased(P<0.01),and the activities of SOD and CAT were increased(P<0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group(P<0.01),the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P<0.01),the level of MDA in liver tissue was increased(P<0.05),and the activities SOD and CAT were decreased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the liver damage degree of the mice in model group was enhanced,the hepatocyte arrangement was disordered,and some hepatocyte edema were increased;compared with model group,the liver morphology of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group returned to normal;compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the hepatocyte arrangement of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group was disordered and the edges were blurred.The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P<0.05);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳgroup were increased(P<0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:AS-Ⅳ can alleviate the CDDP-induced liver injury,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and ferroptosis by AS-Ⅳ.
6.Research on the Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of Polysaccharides and Small Molecules in Taohong Siwu Decoction
Qingqing XIE ; Xueting ZHANG ; Xiaoqun WANG
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(9):49-55,35
Objective The effect of total polysaccharides on the absorption of small molecule components in Taohong Siwu Decoction was studied.Methods A rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reper-fusion(MCAO/R)model was established by using thread occlu-sion method.Intragastric administration of THSWD.THSWD small molecule(THSWDX)and THSWDPX(THSWD polysaccharide plus small molecule)was performed once a day for7days each.Brain,serum,stool and colon were collected after the last dose.TTC staining was used to detect the infarct size,HE staining was used to detect the pathology of colon.16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to detect the changes of intestinal flora in rats.Serum metabolite differences were detected by fully targeted metabolomics.Results In the polysaccharide group,the cerebral infarction size was significantly reduced,the colonic crypt structure was intact,goblet cells were abundant,and the epithelial structure was intact.16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that compared with the model group,the abundance of Bacteroidetes could be decreased in each administration group,especially in THSWD,and the abundance of Pro-teobacteria,Firmicutes and verrucobacteria could be increased at the same time.The amino acid content in each administration group in-creased while the organic acid content decreased,The abundance of Bacteroidetes in the small molecule group administered alone was still high.and the short-chain fatty acid components such as butyric acid and glutaric acid were missing.and there were differences in trypto-phan metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism pathway.Conclusion Polysaccharides and small molecules have synergistic effects.and their main targets are intestinal flora,which are embodied in the following two aspects:①Polysaccharide can improve the structure of the flora,and promote better drug absorption;②Changes in the intestinal floraffect the changes of metabolites.and different metabolites partic-ipate in body metabolism through different ways to accelerate the recovery of the lesion site.
7.Role of PAD4-mediated development of NETs in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Jiahao LIU ; Shuangni GUO ; Jiahua ZHOU ; Xueting WANG ; Fuguo MA ; Wei HAN ; Lixin SUN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(11):1445-1450
Objective:To evaluate the role of peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-mediated development of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) in mice.Methods:Ninety-six clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=24 each) using a table of random numbers: sham operation group (group S), sham operation + PAD4 specific inhibitor GSK484 group (group S+ G), lung ischemia-reperfusion group (group L), and lung ischemia-reperfusion + GSK484 group (group L+ G). After anesthesia and mechanical ventilation, mice were subjected to left hilum occlusion for 1 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion to establish the LIRI model in L and L+ G groups. Mice underwent thoracotomy for 3 h without left hilum occlusion in S and S+ G groups. In S+ G and L+ G groups, GSK484 4 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 3 days before developing the model. At the end of reperfusion, blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis to record arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2). Mice were then sacrificed to collect bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and to obtain lung tissues. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The wet/dry lung weight (W/D) ratio was calculated. The lung tissues were obtained for microscopic examination of pathological changes (with a light microscope) which were scored after hematoxylin-eosin staining and for determination of the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (by colorimetric assay) and expression of PAD4, neutrophil elastase (NE), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and citrullinated histone 3 (Cit-H3) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group S, lung injury scores and W/D ratios were significantly increased, PaO 2 was decreased, the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MPO in BALF were increased, the content of SOD was decreased, the content of MDA was increased, and the expression of PAD4, NE, HMGB1 and Cit-H3 was up-regulated in L and L+ G groups ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were observed in the aforementioned parameters in group S+ G ( P>0.05). Compared with group L, lung injury scores and W/D ratios were significantly decreased, PaO 2 was increased, concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO in BALF were decreased, the content of SOD was increased, the content of MDA was decreased, and the expression of PAD4, NE, HMGB1 and Cit-H3 was down-regulated in group L+ G ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Up-regulated PAD4 expression can promote the development of NETs and aggravate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in lung tissues, thereby participating in LIRI in mice.
8.Clinicalpathological characteristics of 21 cases of breast carcinoma within fibroad-enoma and literature review
Weina WANG ; Xueting LIU ; Ying QIN ; Pei ZHANG ; Shan LIU ; Xiaochun WANG ; Lanfeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(4):444-450
Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features,differential diagnosis,and prognosis of breast carcinoma within fibroadenoma(FA).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and imaging data of 21 cases of FA-associated carcinoma.HE staining,immunohistochemistry using the EnVision method,and next-generation sequencing were employed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and genetic alterations,with a review of the relevant literature.Results All patients were female,aged 21-67 years,with a median age of 48 years.Clinically,all lesions presented with well-circumscribed mass lesions.On imaging,12 cases demonstrated punctate or coarse calcifications,while 3 cases exhibited locally indistinct margins.Pathological examination revealed that the tumors had an average maximum diameter of 2.25 cm,with a gray-white nodular cut surface resembling FA.Microscopically,there was proliferation of either epithelial or spindle cells.The pathological diagnosis was FA-associat-ed in situ carcinoma in 16 cases(15 cases of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ and 1 case of lobular carcinoma in si-tu),and invasive carcinoma in 5 cases(comprising 2 cases of invasive carcinoma-no special type,1 case of invasive lobular carcinoma,1 case of low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma and 1 case of fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcino-ma).In 18 cases,the carcinoma was confined within the FA,whereas in 3 cases the tumor locally extended beyond the FA,and 1 case exhibited ipsilateral axillary lymph node metastasis.Immunophenotypically,tumor cells in in situ carcinomas were negative for CK5/6,while the myoepithelial cells were p63-positive,and both estrogen receptor(ER)and progesterone receptor(PR)were diffusely and consistently positive.In invasive carcinoma,both ductal and lobular subtypes were ER and PR positive and HER2 negative.Conversely,in the low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma and fi-bromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma,ER,PR,and HER2 were all negative,with p63 and CK5/6 positivity.Two ca-ses were negative for mismatch repair protein PMS2.Six cases had a family or personal history of malignant tumors;a-mong the 5 cases that underwent next-generation sequencing,2 cases harbored germline BRCA2 mutations,2 cases had germline PMS2 mutations,and 1 case exhibited no definitive genetic alteration.Conclusion Carcinoma arising within FA exhibits atypical clinical and imaging features.In patients with high-risk factors for breast cancer or family history of malignancy,or when calcifications are observed on imaging,prompt excision and biopsy are recommended.Recogniz-ing the abnormal morphology within FA and the use of immunohistochemistry are essential for accurate diagnosis,with careful differentiation from spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma and low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma.Overall,the prognosis is relatively favorable,and treatment should be tailored according to tumor type,molecular subtype,and stage.
9.Regulating effect and therapeutic potential of intestinal flora in gastrointestinal dysfunction of post-stroke
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(1):57-62,73
Stroke is a common central nervous system disease,with over 50%of stroke survivors experiencing gastrointestinal dysfunction,such as dysphagia,gastrointestinal bleeding,bowel obstruction,constipation,and fecal incontinence,which can lead to poor prognosis and increased mortality.In recent years,the interaction between the brain and gut has been a hot topic of research.Bidirectional communication between the brain and gut post-stroke can trigger changes in the gut microbiota,thereby affecting intestinal barrier function,immune activation,and metabolic products.Therefore,restoring the health and diversity of gut microbiota is crucial for the prevention and treatment of post-stroke gastrointestinal dysfunction.The authors reviewed the gastrointestinal complications following stroke,the changes in gut microbiota,and their impact on gastrointestinal function,and summarized relevant research advancements targeting gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach,with the aim of providing new insights for clinical treatment.
10.In vitro inhibitory effects and safety evaluation of Nymphaea candida total fla-vonoids against Staphylococcus aureus
Baoshan HAO ; Kaixiang GAO ; Xueting ZHAO ; Wenting JIN ; Xiaolong WEI ; Han-ya GAO ; Liyina XU ; Xin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Zhanhai MAI ; Saifuding ABULA ; Adelijiang WUSI-MAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Dandan LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2439-2446
To investigate the in vitro inhibitory mechanism of Nymphaea candida total flavonoids(NCTF)against Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and its safety in mice,this study first deter-mined the antibacterial effect of NCTF on the clinically isolated strain S.aureus-C1.Subsequently,the inhibitory mechanism of NCTF on S.aureus-C1 was explored by measuring its effects on bac-terial growth curves,microstructure,intracellular AKP and LDH levels,and biofilm formation.Safety evaluation included determination of LD50 and MDT in mice,as well as analysis of serum biochemical parameters,organ indices,and histopathological observations.Results showed that NCTF effectively inhibited S.aureus-C1 proliferation,with an inhibition zone diameter of(18.98±0.67)mm and a MIC of 6.25 g/L.A concentration of 2×MIC nearly completely suppressed bacte-rial growth.Scanning electron microscopy revealed structural damage to bacterial cells,including collapse and shrinkage.AKP and LDH assays indicated significantly increased AKP activity(P<0.05)and decreased intracellular LDH activity(P<0.05)in the supernatant of drug-treated groups,demonstrating NCTF-induced disruption of cell walls and membranes leading to leakage of AKP and LDH.Crystal violet staining of biofilms showed significant inhibition rates of(43.77±9.16)%and(61.71±9.82)%at 2 × MIC and 4 × MIC concentrations,respectively(P<0.05).Safe-ty assessments indicated low toxicity of NCTF in mice,with transient effects that returned to nor-mal levels within a short period.These findings demonstrate that NCTF exhibits potent antibacte-rial activity against S.aureus-C1 by damaging bacterial cell structures,increasing cell wall/mem-brane permeability,reducing biofilm formation,and displaying low toxicity.This study provides scientific evidence for clinical drug screening against bovine mastitis and the development of Nym-phaea candida resources.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail