1.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.
2.A case of complex structural variants in the Xq28 region diagnosed by whole genome sequencing
Yulai YANG ; Chuang LI ; Ming GAO ; Yuan LYU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):355-359
Objective:To re-analyze a likely pathogenic variant in the Xq28 region identified by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) through whole genome sequencing (WGS).Methods:A fetus found to harbor a duplication in the Xq28 region by CNV-seq at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University in May 2023 was selected as the study subject. WGS was carried out for the fetus and its father. Bioinformatic software was used to analyze the chromosomal structure and CNVs. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was applied to determine the expression level of the MECP2 gene. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital (Ethic No. 2013PS33K). Results:A duplication (ChrX: 153302641_153503563) and four breakpoints were identified on the X chromosome of the fetus′ father. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the duplicated region has involved exons 1 to 3 and part of the 5′-UTR of the MECP2 gene, which was inserted into the Xp11 region. Additionally, an inversion was detected in the Xp11 region adjacent to the duplicated segment. RT-PCR results showed normal level of MECP2 mRNA expression. The Xq28 duplication has not encompassed the entire MECP2 gene, nor disrupted its structure or altered its expression. Conclusion:WGS has enabled more precise diagnosis of chromosomal structural variants and provided guidance for accurate genetic counseling for the affected families.
3.A case of complex structural variants in the Xq28 region diagnosed by whole genome sequencing.
Yulai YANG ; Chuang LI ; Ming GAO ; Yuan LYU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):355-359
OBJECTIVE:
To re-analyze a likely pathogenic variant in the Xq28 region identified by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) through whole genome sequencing (WGS).
METHODS:
A fetus found to harbor a duplication in the Xq28 region by CNV-seq at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University in May 2023 was selected as the study subject. WGS was carried out for the fetus and its parents. Bioinformatic software was used to analyze the chromosomal structure and CNVs. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was applied to determine the expression level of the MECP2 gene. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital (Ethic No. 2013PS33K).
RESULTS:
A duplication (ChrX:153302641_153503563) and four breakpoints were identified on the X chromosome of the fetus' father. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the duplicated region has involved exons 1 to 3 and part of the 5'-UTR of the MECP2 gene, which was inserted into the Xp11 region. Additionally, an inversion was detected in the Xp11 region adjacent to the duplicated segment. RT-PCR results showed normal level of MECP2 mRNA expression. The Xq28 duplication has not encompassed the entire MECP2 gene, nor disrupted its structure or altered its expression.
CONCLUSION
WGS has enabled more precise diagnosis of chromosomal structural variants and provided guidance for accurate genetic counseling for the affected families.
Humans
;
Female
;
Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics*
;
DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*
;
Whole Genome Sequencing/methods*
;
Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2/genetics*
;
Pregnancy
;
Male
;
Adult
4.Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for bovine respiratory syncytial virus rG protein
Hong LI ; Guanxin HOU ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Chao REN ; Xintong ZHU ; Xiaochen LIU ; Yulai DONG ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1878-1887
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus,the prokaryotic expression of four proteins of BRSV,G,F,P,and M was carried out,and the most suitable coating antigen was screened to establish an indirect ELISA detection method.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BRSV,rG,rF,rP and rM were successfully expressed.The results of checkerboard screening showed that the P/N value of rG protein was the largest,which was determined to be the best coating antigen established by indirect ELISA meth-od.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were as follows:the mass concentration of rG protein coating was 1 mg/L,37℃ for 2 h;3%BSA 37℃ block for 1 h;Serum was diluted 1∶50 and incubated at 37℃ for 1h;Secondary antibody 1∶5 000 dilution,37℃ for 30min;The color development conditions of the substrate were 37℃ for 15 min;Thirty negative sera were selected,and the cut-off value was determined to be 0.63 by the established indirect ELISA method.The re-sults of the specificity test showed that the indirect ELISA method established in this test only recognized BRSV-positive serum,and did not react with IBRV,BCoV,and BPIV3-positive serum.The results of repeatability test showed that the method had good repeatability,and the coefficient of variation within and between batches was less than 10%.The results of the sensitivity test showed that the BRSV-positive serum was still positive when diluted to 1∶8 192.The indirect ELISA method established in this experiment was used to detect 100 clinical serum samples at the same time,and the total coincidence rate of the two reached 90.48%,the positive coincidence rate was 93.42%,and the negative coincidence rate was 82.75%.The indirect ELISA established in this test can be used for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in clinical practice.
5.Establishment and preliminary application of indirect ELISA method for detection of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 based on HN protein
Hong LI ; Rui AN ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Yulai DONG ; Tonglei WU ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):397-403
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3(BPIV3),the prokaryotic expression and purification of BPIV3 HN,NP,F,and P proteins were carried out,and the optimal protein-coated antigen was screened,and an indirect ELISA de-tection method was established.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BPIV3,rHN,rNP,rF,and rP were expressed,and the checkerboard titration results showed that rHN pro-tein had the highest P/N value as the coating protein,so it was used for the subsequent method es-tablishment.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were found to be:the mass con-centration of the antigen coating was 0.5 mg/L,37 ℃ 1.5 h,5%skim milk,overnight blocking at 4 ℃,serum dilution at 1∶50,incubation at 37 ℃ 1 h,secondary antibody dilution at 1∶10 000 and incubation at 37℃ 0.5 h,substrate reaction conditions were 37℃ for 12 min.The results of speci-ficity experiments showed that the established method could specifically identify BPIV3 antibody-positive serum with a sensitivity of 1∶800,and the coefficient of variation in the detection of intra-and inter-assay repeatability was less than 10%,and the overall coincidence rate of the same batch of samples detected with the SVANOVIR kit was 92.22%.This method was used to detect 192 se-rum samples in Hebei Province,and the positive rate of BPIV3 antibody in serum was 66.15%.The indirect ELISA detection method of BP1V3 antibody constructed in this study is suitable for large-scale clinical serological investigations,and provides valuable data support for the research and de-velopment of BPIV3 antigen and antibody detection kits in China.
6.Effect of sRNA OxyS on pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium
Xiaochen LIU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Siping ZHU ; Hong LI ; Chihuan LI ; Yulai DONG ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Qiumei SHI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):1009-1016
In order to investigate the role of sRNA OxyS in the pathogenicity of Salmonella typhi-murium infection,the OxyS gene deletion strain ATCC25241 △OxyS and the back-complemented strain ATCC25241 △OxyS/OxyS of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC25241 were constructed by using λRed homologous recombination technique.We investigated the effect of OxyS deletion on the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC25241.The re-sults showed that the deletion of OxyS did not affect the growth rate,the ability of biofilm forma-tion,and the ability of adhesion,invasion and intracellular survival of Salmonella typhimurium,but significantly reduced the motility of Salmonella typhimurium as well as its ability to survive in alkaline and oxidative environments.The results of mouse infection test showed that OxyS dele-tion caused a significant decrease in the virulence of Salmonella typhimurium in mice,and toxicity is reduced obviously.The qPCR results also showed that OxyS deletion could lead to changes in the transcript levels of a number of virulence-related genes of Salmonella typhimurium such as pipB,orf245,csgA,invH,tatA,sipA,sipB,and so on.The above results indicate that OxyS gene affects the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium and is an important virulence regulator of Salmonella typhimurium.
7.Establishment and preliminary application of indirect ELISA method for detection of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 based on HN protein
Hong LI ; Rui AN ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Yulai DONG ; Tonglei WU ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):397-403
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3(BPIV3),the prokaryotic expression and purification of BPIV3 HN,NP,F,and P proteins were carried out,and the optimal protein-coated antigen was screened,and an indirect ELISA de-tection method was established.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BPIV3,rHN,rNP,rF,and rP were expressed,and the checkerboard titration results showed that rHN pro-tein had the highest P/N value as the coating protein,so it was used for the subsequent method es-tablishment.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were found to be:the mass con-centration of the antigen coating was 0.5 mg/L,37 ℃ 1.5 h,5%skim milk,overnight blocking at 4 ℃,serum dilution at 1∶50,incubation at 37 ℃ 1 h,secondary antibody dilution at 1∶10 000 and incubation at 37℃ 0.5 h,substrate reaction conditions were 37℃ for 12 min.The results of speci-ficity experiments showed that the established method could specifically identify BPIV3 antibody-positive serum with a sensitivity of 1∶800,and the coefficient of variation in the detection of intra-and inter-assay repeatability was less than 10%,and the overall coincidence rate of the same batch of samples detected with the SVANOVIR kit was 92.22%.This method was used to detect 192 se-rum samples in Hebei Province,and the positive rate of BPIV3 antibody in serum was 66.15%.The indirect ELISA detection method of BP1V3 antibody constructed in this study is suitable for large-scale clinical serological investigations,and provides valuable data support for the research and de-velopment of BPIV3 antigen and antibody detection kits in China.
8.Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for bovine respiratory syncytial virus rG protein
Hong LI ; Guanxin HOU ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Chao REN ; Xintong ZHU ; Xiaochen LIU ; Yulai DONG ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1878-1887
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus,the prokaryotic expression of four proteins of BRSV,G,F,P,and M was carried out,and the most suitable coating antigen was screened to establish an indirect ELISA detection method.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BRSV,rG,rF,rP and rM were successfully expressed.The results of checkerboard screening showed that the P/N value of rG protein was the largest,which was determined to be the best coating antigen established by indirect ELISA meth-od.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were as follows:the mass concentration of rG protein coating was 1 mg/L,37℃ for 2 h;3%BSA 37℃ block for 1 h;Serum was diluted 1∶50 and incubated at 37℃ for 1h;Secondary antibody 1∶5 000 dilution,37℃ for 30min;The color development conditions of the substrate were 37℃ for 15 min;Thirty negative sera were selected,and the cut-off value was determined to be 0.63 by the established indirect ELISA method.The re-sults of the specificity test showed that the indirect ELISA method established in this test only recognized BRSV-positive serum,and did not react with IBRV,BCoV,and BPIV3-positive serum.The results of repeatability test showed that the method had good repeatability,and the coefficient of variation within and between batches was less than 10%.The results of the sensitivity test showed that the BRSV-positive serum was still positive when diluted to 1∶8 192.The indirect ELISA method established in this experiment was used to detect 100 clinical serum samples at the same time,and the total coincidence rate of the two reached 90.48%,the positive coincidence rate was 93.42%,and the negative coincidence rate was 82.75%.The indirect ELISA established in this test can be used for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in clinical practice.
9.Effect of sRNA OxyS on pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium
Xiaochen LIU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Siping ZHU ; Hong LI ; Chihuan LI ; Yulai DONG ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Qiumei SHI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):1009-1016
In order to investigate the role of sRNA OxyS in the pathogenicity of Salmonella typhi-murium infection,the OxyS gene deletion strain ATCC25241 △OxyS and the back-complemented strain ATCC25241 △OxyS/OxyS of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC25241 were constructed by using λRed homologous recombination technique.We investigated the effect of OxyS deletion on the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC25241.The re-sults showed that the deletion of OxyS did not affect the growth rate,the ability of biofilm forma-tion,and the ability of adhesion,invasion and intracellular survival of Salmonella typhimurium,but significantly reduced the motility of Salmonella typhimurium as well as its ability to survive in alkaline and oxidative environments.The results of mouse infection test showed that OxyS dele-tion caused a significant decrease in the virulence of Salmonella typhimurium in mice,and toxicity is reduced obviously.The qPCR results also showed that OxyS deletion could lead to changes in the transcript levels of a number of virulence-related genes of Salmonella typhimurium such as pipB,orf245,csgA,invH,tatA,sipA,sipB,and so on.The above results indicate that OxyS gene affects the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Salmonella typhimurium and is an important virulence regulator of Salmonella typhimurium.
10.A case of complex structural variants in the Xq28 region diagnosed by whole genome sequencing
Yulai YANG ; Chuang LI ; Ming GAO ; Yuan LYU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):355-359
Objective:To re-analyze a likely pathogenic variant in the Xq28 region identified by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) through whole genome sequencing (WGS).Methods:A fetus found to harbor a duplication in the Xq28 region by CNV-seq at Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University in May 2023 was selected as the study subject. WGS was carried out for the fetus and its father. Bioinformatic software was used to analyze the chromosomal structure and CNVs. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was applied to determine the expression level of the MECP2 gene. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital (Ethic No. 2013PS33K). Results:A duplication (ChrX: 153302641_153503563) and four breakpoints were identified on the X chromosome of the fetus′ father. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the duplicated region has involved exons 1 to 3 and part of the 5′-UTR of the MECP2 gene, which was inserted into the Xp11 region. Additionally, an inversion was detected in the Xp11 region adjacent to the duplicated segment. RT-PCR results showed normal level of MECP2 mRNA expression. The Xq28 duplication has not encompassed the entire MECP2 gene, nor disrupted its structure or altered its expression. Conclusion:WGS has enabled more precise diagnosis of chromosomal structural variants and provided guidance for accurate genetic counseling for the affected families.

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