1.A panel study on association of short-term air pollution exposure and peripheral blood microparticles in healthy adults
Bin ZHANG ; Xinghou HE ; Jiahui LIU ; Xuyang SHAN ; Yan FANG ; Huiying XU ; Erlu ZHAO ; Shengcong LIU ; Hongbing XU ; Jianping LI ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):1-7
Background Microparticles (MPs) are one of the main medium of inflammatory reaction with an important role in atherosclerotic progression. Studies on association of air pollution exposure and levels of peripheral blood MPs are limited among human. Objective To evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on levels of peripheral blood MPs. Method A panel of 73 healthy adults was followed with 4 repeated follow-ups in Beijing, China, from November 2014 to January 2016. During each visit, we collected questionnaire information, fasting venous blood, urine, and exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze associations of air pollution exposure with levels of total MPs (TMPs) and MPs derived from various cells. Stratified analysis was conducted by levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results The results showed significant associations between air pollution exposure and peripheral blood TMPs at 2 h-6 d prior to the follow-ups (P<0.05), while no statistical associations were found for MPs derived from different cell types. Significant increases in TMPs of 7.8% (95%CI: 0.7%, 15.3%) and 14.3% (95%CI: 2.8%, 27.2%) were observed with each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 (IQR=64.9 μg·m−3) at prior 18 h and NO (IQR=40.5 μg·m−3) at prior 48 h. Among participants with low levels of CRP and MDA, significantly positive associations were observed between air pollution exposure and levels of TMPs (P<0.05). Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollution is significantly associated with increased levels of circulating MPs in healthy adults, and in people with lower systemic inflammation, peripheral blood MPs levels are more easily affected after exposure to air pollutants.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Research progress on the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis by alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicine
Danping FANG ; Fangyuan XIE ; Yan WANG ; Weiheng XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):173-177
Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological repair response of the liver to various chronic injuries, commonly seen in chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc. Hepatic fibrosis is a necessary stage for the development of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Reversing or delaying the progression of hepatic fibrosis is crucial for the treatment of chronic liver disease, but there are currently no safe and effective therapeutic drugs in clinical practice. In recent years, research has found that many alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicine have anti-fibrotic activity, and their mechanisms involved multiple aspects such as cell autophagy, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation. The anti-fibrotic effects and mechanisms of alkaloids from traditional Chinese medicine were reviewed, which could provide reference for the application of alkaloids in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
4.A panel study on effects of short-term exposure to ambient particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide on serum reproductive hormones in healthy adults
Yan FANG ; Xinghou HE ; Erlu ZHAO ; Bin ZHANG ; Yutong ZHU ; Tong WANG ; Xiaoming SONG ; Hongbing XU ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):709-716
Background Air pollution has widespread adverse health effects on human health, but research on its impact on reproductive health and related physiological mechanisms remains insufficient. Objective To investigate the associations between short-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone in healthy adults. Methods A total of 152 healthy adults were recruited for a panel study, undergoing four follow-up visits from September 2019 to January 2020. Basic demographic information and serum samples were collected. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Concurrently, environmental data in the study area were monitored, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), NO2, particle number concentrations in the 5-560 nm size fraction (PNC5_560), and meteorological variables. Linear mixed-effects models were constructed to estimate the effects of short-term exposure to these particulate matter on serum reproductive hormone levels. Results The participants had an average age of (23.9±2.4) years, with 102 women. For each interquartile range (IQR) increment in pollutant moving average concentrations, PM2.5, PNC5_25, PNC100_560, BC, and NO2 were associated with relative decreases in female serum AMH levels by 10.2%-16.9%, 46.2%-58.0%, 16.9%-21.2%, 14.8%-26.5%, and 11.3%-17.6%, respectively. These negative associations were stronger in females with waist-to-hip ratio > 0.76 and physical activity levels ≤ 1217 metabolic equivalents (MET) min per week. Similarly, in males, an IQR increase in the same pollutants was associated with relative decreases in serum free testosterone by 11.1%-17.2%, 35.2%, 10.5%-18.9%, 18.7%-24.2%, and 10.3%-26.0%, respectively. These effects were more pronounce in male with a waist-to-hip ratios > 0.81 and physical activity levels ≤ 1498 MET-min per week. Conclusion Short-term exposure to particulate matter and NO2 may reduce serum levels of AMH and testosterone in healthy adults. Furthermore, these adverse effects appears to be stronger in adults with higher waist-to-hip ratios.
5.Sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among young students in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1102-1105
Objective:
To assess the status of sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among school attending young students in Guangdong Province, so as to provide evidence base for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to conduct an anonymous online survey among 41 119 students from 20 higher education institutions and vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. Chi square test was utilized for rate comparisons and univariate analysis, and a multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with novel synthetic drug use.
Results:
The self reported rate of sexual behavior was 5.2%. Among sexually active students, the rates of unprotected sexual intercourse, having temporary sexual partners, and having commercial sexual partners were 32.4%, 34.5%, and 26.3%, respectively. The awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 75.7%. The overall use rate of novel psychoactive substances(NPS) was 1.0%, and among sexually active students it was 6.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students with sexual experience ( OR =4.15) and those with HIV testing history ( OR =9.38) had higher risks of NPS use; among sexually active students, those with unprotected sexual intercourse ( OR =6.83) and those with commercial sexual partners ( OR = 4.68 ) had higher risks of NPS use (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The HIV/AIDS knowledge level among surveyed students needs further improvement, and high risk sexual behaviors are cross linked with novel synthetic drug use. It is recommended to carry out integrated health education for all students and implement comprehensive targeted interventions for sexually active students.
6.Analysis of the characteristics and influencing factors of new-onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1330-1334
Objective:
To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of new onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide evidence for early warning and intervention.
Methods:
Using a cluster sampling method, baseline data were collected from September to November 2023 among 2 379 adolescents selected from 2 junior high schools, 2 general senior high schools and 2 vocational senior high schools in Wuhan, Hubei Province, with follow up carried out from September to November 2024. Data were collected using the School Adaptation Scale, the Essential Resilience Scale, the Personal Social Support Scale, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Adolescent Life Events Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing new onset suicidal behavior among junior and senior high school students.
Results:
Among junior and senior high school students without suicide risk at baseline, 53.55% remained stable risk free during follow up, while 13.28% developed new suicidal behavior during follow up, of which suicidal ideation, suicide plan and suicide attempts accounted for 11.69%, 8.83% and 6.52%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that increased depressive symptoms at follow up elevated the risk of overall new onset suicidal behaviors ( OR =4.14), ideation ( OR = 4.59), plans ( OR =4.24), and attempts ( OR =4.09); poor sleep quality also increased the risk of overall new onset suicidal behaviors ( OR =2.23), plans ( OR =2.03), and attempts ( OR =2.65) (all P <0.05). Non boarding junior and senior high school students had lower risks of overall new onset suicidal behaviors and ideation ( OR=0.70 and 0.49, respectively); secondary school students with academic performance ranking in the top 20%-30% of their class had a lower risk of new onset ideation ( OR =0.27); and those whose place of origin was outside the city had a lower risk of new onset plans ( OR =0.49) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
New onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students exhibit dynamic and stage specific differences. Depressive symptoms serve as a common core risk factor across all stages, whereas sleep quality, academic performance, boarding status, and place of origin exert differential influences at distinct stages.
7.Influencing factors for hand, foot, and mouth disease in Binzhou City based on a Bayesian spatio-temporal model
XU Xinying ; YAN Wei ; SHI Xinglong ; LÜ ; Jing ; YUE Fang ; QIAO Yingyi ; LIU Guanxiang ; LI Xiujun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):161-165
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) incidence in Binzhou City, Shandong Province, so as to provide the evidence for developing HFMD prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data on HFMD cases in Binzhou City from 2017 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Meteorological data during the same period were collected from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The incidence of HFMD was calculated, and the temporal, population, and regional distribution characteristics of HFMD were analyzed descriptively. Bayesian spatiotemporal model was used to analyze the influencing factors for HFMD incidence
Results:
From 2017 to 2023, a total of 17 314 HFMD cases were reported in Binzhou City, with an annual average reported incidence of 62.57/105. The incidence peak was from June to September, and a secondary peak appeared from October to November in some years. The annual average reported incidences were higher in Bincheng District and Yangxin County, which were 107.41/105 and 72.95/105, respectively. There were 10 461 males and 6 853 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.53∶1. The age was mainly 1-3 years, with 11 713 cases accounting for 67.65%. Bayesian spatiotemporal model analysis showed that the risk of HFMD incidence had obvious seasonality and regionality. From 2017 to 2019 and in 2021, the peaks occurred in weeks 24-27 and 44-47 each year, with RR values of 1.771-6.747. From 2022 to 2023, it showed a single peak distribution. The RR values were all >1 in Bincheng District, Yangxin County, and Huimin County. Average temperature (RR=1.092, 95%CI: 1.080-1.105) and average relative humidity (RR=1.015, 95%CI: 1.008-1.022) were positively correlated with the risk of HFMD incidence, while average wind speed (RR=0.749, 95%CI: 0.655-0.856) was negatively correlated with the risk of HFMD incidence.
Conclusions
HFMD in Binzhou City mainly occurs in summer and in central areas. Males and children aged 1-3 years are high-risk populations. The risk of HFMD incidence increases with the increase of average temperature and average relative humidity, and decreases with the increase of average wind speed.
8.Serum MST4 and HSP70 levels in children with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenia and their clinical significance
Huishuang XU ; Mingli QU ; Fang YAN ; Rui YUE ; Jing GUO ; Yinsha MIAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(1):49-53
Objective To explore serum levels of serine/threonine protein kinase 4(MST4)and heat shock protein 70(HSP70)in children with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)and their clinical signifi-cance.Methods Totally 98 children with ITP admitted to Northwest Women and Children's Hospital from April 2019 to April 2023 were retrospectively selected as the ITP group,and 50 healthy children who under-went physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.Enzyme linked immu-nosorbent assay was used to detect serum levels of MST4 and HSP70,and the serum MST4 and HSP70 levels in children with different ITP levels were compared.The correlation between the indicators were analyzed by Pearson correlation.Logistic regression model was used to screen the prognostic factors of ITP,and the as-sessment value of serum MST4 and HSP70 on ITP prognosis was analyzed by subject working characteristic curve.Results Serum MST4,HSP70,and CD8 in the ITP group were higher than those in the control group,while PLT,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+were lower than those in the control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Serum MST4 and HSP70 levels in mild group,moderate group and severe group were increased successively,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that serum MST4 and HSP70 were positively correlated with CD8+(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with PLT,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P<0.05).The disease course,serum MST4 and HSP70 of ITP children in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the course of disease(OR=1.579,P<0.001),serum MST4(OR=1.451,P<0.001)and serum HSP70(OR=1.442,P<0.001)were independent risk factors af-fecting the prognosis of children with ITP.The area under the curve of serum MST4 and HSP70 combined in the assessment of poor prognosis of ITP children was larger than that of serum MST4 and HSP70,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=4.568,4.672,both P<0.001).Conclusion The elevated serum MST4 and HSP70 levels in children with ITP are related to the severity of the disease and cellular immune function.The combination of the two has a high evaluation value for the prognosis of children with ITP.
9.Overview of the scope of research on maternal-fetal attachment in assisted reproductive technology for pregnant women
Xuzhen CHENG ; Yali CHANG ; Yan LYU ; Fang ZHANG ; Xinfen XU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(1):69-77
Objective:To conduct a scoping review of the related research on the maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women after assisted reproductive technology (ART), summarize the research status of maternal-fetal attachment, and provide reference for future research prospects.Methods:A search was conducted for studies published in PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, from the date of database construction to January 24, 2024. The results of the literature were screened, extracted, and summarized.Results:A total of 15 studies were included. Among them, 14 observational studies reported that the overall status of maternal-fetal attachment of ART pregnant women was in good condition, but the data sources of domestic research were insufficient. Three evaluation tools were used in 15 articles. The related factors were summarized as demographic factors (age and personality traits), pregnancy-related factors (such as conception method, gestational age, history of infertility, history of miscarriage, etc), and psychosocial factors (such as anxiety, depression, conflicts, attitudes towards childbirth, acceptance of pregnancy, social support, marital satisfaction, etc). Four studies put forward suggestions or conducted intervention studies on improving maternal-fetal attachment of ART pregnant women.Conclusions:There is a lack of attention to the maternal-fetal attachment of ART pregnant women in China. Due to the complexity and diversity of its influencing factors, we should deeply explore the characteristics of maternal-fetal attachment development of ART pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy, and carry out more high-quality research. At the same time, we should pay attention to and carry out early screening of maternal-fetal attachment disorders, formulate targeted interventions, so as to promote the establishment of high-quality maternal-fetal attachment, and lay a solid foundation for future maternal-infant relationships.
10.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.


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