1.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
2.The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of fluoride in drinking water for children in historical drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Tianjin
Yang WANG ; Fang LI ; Yuxin DU ; Yushan CUI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(8):609-615
Objective:To learn about the current status of fluoride in drinking water from historical drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Tianjin, and to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risk of fluoride in drinking water for children.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to November 2023 to investigate the fluoride level in drinking water in 2 028 villages with children aged 6 - < 18 years residing in 10 historical drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Tianjin. Based on the risk assessment model of the Technical Guide for Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Exposure (WS/T 777-2021) and the child specific exposure parameters in the highlights of the Chinese exposure factors handbook (Children volume), the hazard index (HI) was used to quantify and assess the non-carcinogenic health risk of fluoride in drinking water for children of different age groups (6 - < 9, 9 - < 12, 12 - < 15, 15 - < 18 years old).Results:The water fluoride level [ M ( Q1, Q3)] in the historical drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Tianjin was 0.28 (0.12, 0.85) mg/L, ranging from 0.05 to 1.08 mg/L. The HI values of children in each age group were 0.218, 0.185, 0.136, and 0.124, respectively, all < 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic health risk. Among them, the age group of 6 - < 9 years old had the highest HI value, with HI values ranging from 0.148 to 0.412 in 10 regions, and the difference was statistically significant ( H = 594.62, P < 0.001). Comparing drinking water of different source types, regions, and treatment methods, there were statistically significant differences in HI values among children of different age groups ( Z = - 9.25, - 9.25, - 9.25, - 9.25, - 6.96, - 6.96, - 6.96, - 6.96, H = 146.75, 146.75, 146.75, 146.75, P < 0.001). Conclusion:The non-carcinogenic health risks of fluoride in drinking water for children in historical drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Tianjin are relatively low, but there is still a need to strengthen monitoring and early warning for young children.
3.Analysis of iodine nutrition status and influencing factors of moderate to severe iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Tianjin from 2022 to 2024
Dandan ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Wenfeng LI ; Fang LI ; Yani DUAN ; Yushan CUI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(9):713-718
Objective:To learn about the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Tianjin and analyze the influencing factors of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women.Methods:From January 2022 to December 2024, a stratified random sampling method was adopted. Each year, five sampling areas were divided into the east, west, south, north and central directions in 16 districts of Tianjin. Ten pregnant women from one township/street in each area were selected for questionnaire surveys. Household salt samples and random urine samples were collected to measure salt iodine and urinary iodine levels. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to analyze the dose-response relationship between the risk of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women and salt iodine level.Results:A total of 2 532 pregnant women in Tianjin were surveyed, with an age of (30.70 ± 4.44) years. Among them, 53.20% (1 347/2 532) had received health education, and 52.45% (1 328/2 532) actively supplemented iodine. A total of 2 532 household salt samples of pregnant women were tested, with a median salt iodine level of 23.66 mg/kg. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 74.45% (1 885/2 532), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 87.59% (1 651/1 885), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 65.21% (1 651/2 532). A total of 2 532 urine samples of pregnant women were tested, with a median urinary iodine level of 151.68 μg/L. Among them, 652, 1 348 and 532 urine samples were collected from pregnant women in the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, respectively, with median urinary iodine levels of 150.80, 153.00 and 143.68 μg/L, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that consuming iodized salt was a protective factor for the moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women ( OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58 - 0.86, P < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a linear dose-response relationship between the risk of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women and salt iodine level ( Poverall < 0.001, Pnonlinear = 0.065). Further stratified analysis revealed that there was a linear dose-response relationship between the risk of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women who had received iodine supplementation and salt iodine level ( Poverall = 0.018, Pnonlinear = 0.554), while there was a nonlinear dose-response relationship between the risk of moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women who had not received iodine supplementation and salt iodine level ( Poverall < 0.001, Pnonlinear = 0.029). Conclusions:From 2022 to 2024, the overall iodine level of pregnant women in Tianjin is appropriate, but some pregnant women are at risk of iodine deficiency. Consuming iodized salt is a protective factor against the moderate to severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women. It is still necessary to further implement comprehensive prevention and control measures mainly based on iodized salt.
4.The prevalence and influencing factors of dental fluorosis in children in Tianjin
Yani DUAN ; Yang WANG ; Fang LI ; Yushan CUI ; Wenfeng LI ; Dandan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(5):367-373
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children in Tianjin and study its influencing factors.Methods:From January to December 2023, 5 affected villages were selected from each of the drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis (drinking water-borne fluorosis for short) areas of 10 agricultural areas in Tianjin, and 50 children aged 8 - 12 years (gender and age balanced) were selected from each affected village for questionnaire survey and dental fluorosis examination. At the same time, water samples from affected villages and children's one random urine sample were collected to test for fluoride levels in water and urine. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of dental fluorosis prevalence in children, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to analyze the dose-response relationship between the years of water improvement and dental fluorosis prevalence.Results:A total of 50 water samples were collected, with water fluoride levels ranging from 0.05 to 0.85 mg/L. All affected villages had completed the water improvement and the water fluoride levels were qualified. A total of 2 439 urine samples were collected from children, with urinary fluoride levels ranging from 0.05 to 12.56 mg/L and a geometric mean of 0.82 mg/L. A total of 2 439 children were examined for dental fluorosis, with a detection rate of 22.67% (553/2 439). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15 - 1.37, P < 0.001), father's education level of junior high school or below ( OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04 - 2.38, P = 0.033), and high urinary fluoride (0.74 - 1.58 mg/L: OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19 - 2.13, P = 0.002; 1.59 - 12.56 mg/L: OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.48 - 2.70, P < 0.001) were risk factors for dental fluorosis prevalence in children. The total annual household income with 40 000 to 80 000 yuan ( OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58 - 0.99, P = 0.041), father's occupation was self-employed and other occupation ( OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51 - 0.92, P = 0.013), the years of water improvement in affected villages ≥10 years ( OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.30 - 0.50, P < 0.001), and the material of the drinking water container at home was stainless steel products ( OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.85, P = 0.005), ceramic or glass products ( OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48 - 0.90, P = 0.010) were protective factors for dental fluorosis prevalence in children. By constructing a restricted cubic spline model, it was found that there was a linear dose-response relationship between the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children and the years of water improvement in affected villages ( Poverall < 0.001, Pnonlinear = 0.059). The longer the years of water improvement, the lower the risk of dental fluorosis prevalence. Conclusions:The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children in Tianjin is relatively high. The fluoride reduction and water improvement measures implemented in drinking water-borne fluorosis areas can effectively reduce the risk of dental fluorosis prevalence. Factors such as age, urinary fluoride, economic conditions, and lifestyle also have important impacts on the prevalence of dental fluorosis.
5.Current situation and needs of health education on prevention and treatment of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis among children in Tianjin in 2024
Yani DUAN ; Yang WANG ; Fang LI ; Yushan CUI ; Wenfeng LI ; Dandan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(11):925-930
Objective:To investigate the awareness of prevention and treatment knowledge of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis among children in Tianjin, explore its influencing factors, analyze the needs of children's health education methods, and provide a basis for carrying out health education in school.Methods:From January to December in 2024, a stratified sampling method was employed to select two endemic villages from each of the 10 areas with drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in Tianjin as survey sites. In each village, no fewer than 50 children aged 8 - 12 (gender and age balanced) were recruited to conduct a questionnaire survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of children's awareness of prevention and treatment knowledge.Results:A total of 1 678 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall awareness rate of prevention and control knowledge of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis among children in Tianjin was 67.62% (11 346/16 780). Children had the highest awareness of the hazards of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis (83.61%, 1 403/1 678), while their awareness of the clinical manifestations of dental fluorosis was the lowest (44.87%, 753/1 678). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children in higher grades [grades 5 to 6, OR (95% CI) = 1.66 (1.36, 2.03), P < 0.001], with a larger number of permanent residents in the family [≥6 people, OR (95% CI) = 1.58 (1.13, 2.23), P = 0.008], whose mothers had a college education or above [ OR (95% CI) = 1.45 (1.08, 1.95), P = 0.014], and who had received health education [ OR (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.19, 1.78), P < 0.001] had a higher awareness rate of the prevention and control knowledge of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis. There were statistically significant differences in the demand rates for access to prevention and control knowledge via school teachers, promotional videos, and online/WeChat official accounts among children of different grades ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The awareness rate of prevention and treatment knowledge of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis among children in Tianjin is relatively low. Special attention should be paid to children with a small number of permanent residents in the family, mothers with low educational levels, and who have not received health education. At the same time, detailed health publicity services should be carried out for children of different grades.
6.Impact of sublingual nitroglycerin on imaging quality of non-contrast MR coronary angiography
Xiankuo HU ; Yang ZHANG ; Yushan YUAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Peiqi MA ; Xiaohu LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1730-1734
Objective To observe the impact of sublingual nitroglycerin(NTG)on imaging quality of non-contrast MR coronary angiography(NMRCA).Methods Thirty patients with suspected coronary heart disease(CHD)who would undergo coronary angiography(CAG)examination were prospectively collected.NMRCA images were acquired before and after sublingual NTG.Clinical meaningful stenosis was defined as CAG showed luminal stenosis ≥50%.Then imaging quality scores,diameters and display length of coronary arteries,as well as the impact of NTG on diagnostic performances of NMRCA for coronary artery stenosis were compared between images before and after administration of NTG.Results After administration of NTG,image quality of left main(LM)-left anterior descending artery(LAD)and left circumflex artery(LCX),as well as the proximal,mid and distal segments of LAD and distal segment of LCX significantly improved(all P<0.05).No significant difference of visible coronary artery length was noticed before and after administration of NTG(all P>0.05).After administration of NTG,diameter of right coronary artery(RCA),LM-LAD and LCX increased(all P<0.05),with dilation rate of 16.23%(13.57%,19.17%),17.52%(12.69%,21.11%)and 14.30%(7.62%,23.22%),respectively,while the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and negative predictive value of NMRCA for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis improved(all P<0.05).Conclusion Sublingual NTG could improve imaging quality of NMRCA and increase its efficacy for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis.
7.Survival analysis of HIV-infected patients complicated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Honghong YANG ; Jing YUAN ; Mei LI ; Qin ZENG ; Yushan WU ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(5):517-522
Objective To investigate the mortality and risk factors of HIV-infected patients complicated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy(PML)to inform the outcomes of these patients.Methods The clinical data of people living with HIV related PML who were treated at Chongqing Public Health Medical Treatment Center from January 1,2019 to December 31,2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Log-rank test was performed.Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis.Results A total of 42 people living with HIV related PML were enrolled,including 34 males(81.0%).The median age was 44.5(36.3,51.0)years.PML was confirmed in 76.2%(32/42)of patients,and possible PML was diagnosed in 23.8%(10/42)of patients.The median time to diagnosis was 32.5(14.8,58.3)days.The median CD4+T cell count was 69.0(39.8,112.0)cells/μL.The median HIV viral load was 5.05(2.62,5.77)log10 copies/mL.The overall mortality rate was 54.8%(23/42)for patients with HIV related PML.CD4+T cell count ≤50 cells/μL and initial modified Rankin scale(mRS)score ≥4 points were independent risk factors for the overall mortality of people living with HIV related PML(P<0.05).Conclusions People living with HIV related PML have a high mortality rate.Low CD4+T cell count and high initial mRS score were independent risk factors for the mortality of patients with HIV related PML.Currently,no definitive and effective drug treatment is available for PML.Early detection,diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy may improve the outcomes of patients.
8.Survival analysis of HIV-infected patients complicated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Honghong YANG ; Jing YUAN ; Mei LI ; Qin ZENG ; Yushan WU ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(5):517-522
Objective To investigate the mortality and risk factors of HIV-infected patients complicated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy(PML)to inform the outcomes of these patients.Methods The clinical data of people living with HIV related PML who were treated at Chongqing Public Health Medical Treatment Center from January 1,2019 to December 31,2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Log-rank test was performed.Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis.Results A total of 42 people living with HIV related PML were enrolled,including 34 males(81.0%).The median age was 44.5(36.3,51.0)years.PML was confirmed in 76.2%(32/42)of patients,and possible PML was diagnosed in 23.8%(10/42)of patients.The median time to diagnosis was 32.5(14.8,58.3)days.The median CD4+T cell count was 69.0(39.8,112.0)cells/μL.The median HIV viral load was 5.05(2.62,5.77)log10 copies/mL.The overall mortality rate was 54.8%(23/42)for patients with HIV related PML.CD4+T cell count ≤50 cells/μL and initial modified Rankin scale(mRS)score ≥4 points were independent risk factors for the overall mortality of people living with HIV related PML(P<0.05).Conclusions People living with HIV related PML have a high mortality rate.Low CD4+T cell count and high initial mRS score were independent risk factors for the mortality of patients with HIV related PML.Currently,no definitive and effective drug treatment is available for PML.Early detection,diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy may improve the outcomes of patients.
9.Clinical and etiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in diabetic patients in terms of glycated hemoglobin levels
Jun HOU ; Yushan MA ; Jing ZHANG ; Yuexi KANG ; Yang LI ; Hao DANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):384-392
Objective This study aimed to explore the clinical and etiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in diabetic patients with different levels of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)for improving empirical diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective study was conducted for diabetic patients with bloodstream infections who were admitted to Sichuan Mental Health Center from 2017 to 2023.Patients were assigned to one of the three groups based on HbA1c levels:low level(HbA1c<7.0%),medium level(7.0%≤HbA1c<9.0%),high level(HbA1c≥9.0%).The clinical data,pathogen distribution,and antimicrobial resistance were analyzed and compared between groups.Results A total of 426 diabetic patients with bloodstream infection were included.The proportion of community-acquired bloodstream infection,acidosis,and liver abscess in the high level HbA1c group were significantly higher than those in the medium and low level HbA1c groups.Overall,452 strains of nonduplicate pathogenic bacteria were isolated,the most common of which were Escherichia coli(47.1%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(23.0%),and Staphylococcus aureus(5.8%).The pathogens of bloodstream infections varied with different HbA1c levels.The proportion of K.pneumoniae in the high-level HbA1c group(30.7%)was significantly higher than that in the low-level HbA1c group(15.1%)and medium level HbA1c group(16.0%).More than 50%of E.coli isolates were resistant to piperacillin,cefazolin,and ampicillin,while lower than 10%of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin and minocycline,and lower than 1%of the isolates were resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam,meropenem,imipenem,and amikacin.The E.coli strains isolated from hospital-acquired infections showed slightly higher resistance rates to penicillin,cephalosporins,aminoglycosides,and fluoroquinolones than the strains isolated from community-acquired infections.K.pneumoniae strains showed low resistance rates(<30%)to the commonly used antibiotics.However,the strains isolated from hospital-acquired infections were significantly more resistant to cephalosporins,carbapenems,and aminoglycosides than the strains isolated from community-acquired infections.Conclusions E.coli,K.pneumoniae and S.aureus were the common pathogens of bloodstream infections in diabetic patients.Poor HbA1c control was associated with K.pneumoniae bloodstream infection,especially those originated from liver abscess.The antibiotic-resistant E.coli and K.pneumoniae strains were prevalent in hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in diabetic patients.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance should be strengthened for this patient population.
10.Tracheal intubation and extubation in patients with non-ventilated neurocritical care:a summary of best evidence
Yang YU ; Desheng WANG ; Yushan ZHEN ; Yingfeng ZHOU
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(6):71-79
Objective To summarise the best evidence of tracheal intubation and extubation in patients with non-ventilated neurocritical care so as to provide a reference and guidance for clinical work.Methods The"6S"evidence-based pyramid model was employed to search multiple databases and sources,including UpToDate,BMJ Best Practice(BMJ),National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE),National Guideline Clearinghouse(NGC),Guidelines International Network(GIN),Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network(SIGN),Canadian Medical Association:Clinical Practice Guideline(CMA Infobase),New Zealand Guidelines Group(NZGG),European Association of Neurosurgical Societies(EANS),American Association of Neurological Surgeons(AANS),Cochrane Library,Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI),Campbell,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,ProQuest,Elsevier,EBSCO,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed and Yimaitong,from inception of the databases to 31st March,2024 for literature on tracheal extubation of the patients in non-ventilated neurocritical care.The retrieved literature included clinical decisions,guidelines,systematic reviews,evidence summaries,expert consensuses,and randomised controlled trials.Two researchers who were trained in evidence-based nursing comprehensively screened the quality of the included literature and extracted the evidences.Results A total of 15 articles were included consisting of 2 clinical decisions,5 guidelines,4 systematic reviews,2 evidence summaries and 2 expert consensuses.They were synthesised into 23 evidence-based recommendations across 4 themes:pre-extubation assessment,pre-extubation preparation,extubation procedure and post-extubation care.Conclusion The best evidence on endotracheal intubation and extubation in patients with non-ventilated neurocritical care summarised in this study provides an evidence-based reference for clinical practice.

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