1.Research progress in diffuse chorioretinal atrophy
Yuning NIU ; Hailong HE ; Xuanyu CHEN ; Yuxin FANG ; Zibing JIN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(6):491-494
Diffuse choroidal retinal atrophy (DCA) is a type of myopic macular disease that presents with yellowish-white atrophic changes at the posterior pole of the eyeball. DCA is an important critical feature in the diagnosis of pathological myopia. Early intervention and treatment of this disease are of great significance in delaying the progression of pathological myopia and reducing the impairment of visual function. Ophthalmic imaging data can be used to diagnose the disease, and color fundus photography is the most simple and intuitive. Choroidal thickness is also a key indicator in the diagnosis of DCA, but the diagnostic critical value of choroidal thickness has not been clearly defined. With the development and popularization of artificial intelligence technology, the analysis of lesion imaging data is more objective and accurate. In the future, it is expected to actively establish a standard quantitative evaluation system for DCA by means of artificial intelligence to achieve early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment of pathological myopia.
2.Longitudinal relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students:the mediating role of disordered eating and moderating role of mindfulness
Ruipeng WU ; Zixuan GUANG ; Qiong NIU ; Chunyu ZHENG ; Yuxin XIE ; Bingheng QU ; Xiaopeng TONG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):872-879
Objective To explore the mediating role of eating disorders in the relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among college students,and further examine the moderating effect of mindfulness on this mediating pathway.Methods By using convenience sampling,we conducted baseline and follow-up surveys among freshmen and sophomores at two universities in Xizang Autonomous Region from September to December 2021.Measurements included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale,the body image satisfaction subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire,the Eating Attitudes Test,and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.Data analyses performed using SPSS 23.0 included Pearson correlation analysis,mediation(model 4),and moderation(model 58)effect analysis.Results A total of 2 993 students participated in both the baseline and follow-up surveys,including 1 007 males(34.3%)and 1,666 Tibetan and other ethnic minorities(56.8%),with an average age of 19.8(SD=1.3)years.Body image satisfaction significantly predicted anxiety symptoms,and this relationship was partially mediated by disordered eating.The presence of mindfulness moderated the impact of body image satisfaction on disordered eating and the influence of disordered eating on anxiety symptoms,indicating varying strengths of these relationships at different levels of mindfulness.Conclusion This study demonstrates that body image satisfaction can significantly predict anxiety symptoms,with disordered eating playing a mediating role in this relationship.The moderating effect of mindfulness further reveals that students with high levels of mindfulness are less likely to experience eating disorders influenced by body image dissatisfaction.Interventions for college students'mental health should consider including management of body image and eating behaviors,as well as mindfulness training.
3. Mechanism of DCLK1 transcriptional regulation in HCC
Xianchuang WU ; Yuxin LIU ; Leilei ZHANG ; Xianchuang WU ; Yuji NIU ; Jinjin HE ; Hui QIAO ; Jinjin HE ; Hui QIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2023;28(11):1241-1246
AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism through which DKK1 is transcriptionally regulated in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. METHODS: Real time PCR was used to explore whether EGFR was involved in regulating DCLK1 mRNA expression in HCC cells; Western blot assay was used to examine whether EGFR-mediated the up-regulation of DCLK1 protein in HCC cells; Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were used to examine the protein expression of EGFR and DCLK1 in 39 human HCC tumor specimens. RESULTS: EGF promoted the expression of DCLK1 mRNA and protein in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), while knockdown of EGFR with two specific siRNA could reverse EGF-induced the up-regulation of DCLK1 mRNA and protein (P<0.01). IHC analyses revealed that the amount of EGFR correlated significantly with that of DCLK1 (r=0.669 6). CONCLUSION: EGFR promoted DCLK1 transcription in HCC.
4.Medication experiences of patients with chronic multimorbidities:a qualitative Meta-synthesis
Yuxin NIU ; Yongpan GUO ; Chunhui ZHANG ; Wenwen DONG ; Fangyu SONG ; Beilei LIN ; Zhenxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2023;58(22):2777-2784
Objective To systematically evaluate the medication experience of patients with chronic multimorbidities and to provide a reference for developing precise intervention programs to improve the medication experience of patients with chronic multimorbidities.Methods PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database,and Chinese biomedical literature database were searched from the year of database establishment to October 2022,and qualitative studies on medication experiences of patients with chronic multimorbidities were retrieved.The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative research(2016)in Australia was used to evaluate quality of the studies.A meta-synthesis method was used to integrate the results.Results A total of 11 articles were included,and 56 research results were extracted and integrated into 12 new categories,which were summarized into 4 integrated results:poor sensory experience of drugs,negative emotional and related experiences,reflective and behavioral experiences,and multi-dimensional debugging to improve medication experience.Conclusion The medication experience of patients with chronic multimorbidities should receive extensive attention from society and medical workers,and future research should be conducted to improve the level of patients'medication experience in 5 dimensions,including sensory experience,emotional experience,reflective experience,behavioral experience and associative experience,so as to provide a basis for further improving the medication experience of patients with chronic multimorbidities in China.
5. Functional and binding studies of gallic acid showing platelet aggregation inhibitory effect as a thrombin inhibitor
Yuxin ZHANG ; Binan LU ; Hongjuan NIU ; Lu FAN ; Zongran PANG ; Xing WANG ; Yanbin GAO ; Yatong LI ; Yanling ZHANG ; Yanjiang QIAO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2022;14(2):303-309
Objective: This study was devoted to identifying natural thrombin inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and evaluating its biological activity in vitro and binding characteristics. Methods: A combination strategy containing molecular docking, thrombin inhibition assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to verify the study result. Results: Gallic acid was confirmed as a direct thrombin inhibitor with IC
6.The value of microvascular flow imaging method for the evaluation of placenta perfusion and prediction of fetal growth restriction: a pilot study
Zihan NIU ; Peipei ZHANG ; Xining WU ; Yuxin JIANG ; Yunshu OUYANG ; Hua MENG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2021;30(8):691-696
Objective:To evaluate the placental micro-vascular circulation by microvascular flowing imaging (MVFI) method, and to explore the clinical value of microvascular index (MVI) for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods:A total of 21 fetuses at 24-34 weeks of gestation at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October to November 2019 were enrolled in this study, including 7 fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses, and 14 normal fetuses as control group. The fetuses of the two groups were matched according to the gestational weeks at the ratio of 1∶2. Fetal biometry parameters were measured and the placenta was observed by two-dimensional ultrasound.Uterine artery pulse index (UtA-PI), middle cerebral artery pulse index (MCA-PI), and umbilical artery S/D ratio were evaluated by color and pulse-wave Doppler. The placenta mico-circulation was displayed by the MVFI method and MVI was measured.Results:The study included 14 normal fetuses and 7 FGR fetuses. Compared with the control group, more placenta in the FGR group manifested as thickened and heterogeneous with decreased MVI and increased UtA-PI. There was statistically significant difference in placental mean MVI between two groups ( P=0.044). Besides, a trend towards significant negative correlation was observed between MVI and placenta thickness, although this was not statistically significant ( rs=-0.35, P=0.065). MVI had a higher specificity (100%) in the prediction of FGR. Conclusions:MVFI can display the micro-circulation of the placenta, and provide a direct and quantitative assessment method for placental perfusion.
7.Early sonographic diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11-14 weeks′gestation
Zihan NIU ; Hua MENG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Yunshu OUYANG ; He LIU ; Yuxin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2019;28(6):521-524
To investigate the prenatal sonographic feature in the early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11 -14 weeks′ gestation . Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analysis and summarize the ultrasonographic features of 4 fetuses without band‐like echoes in amniotic cavity at 11-14 weeks′gestation ,but verified as amniotic band syndrome in Peking Union M edical College Hospital . Results T wo cases ( cases 1 ,2) showed the fixed head position with skull defect and intracranial structure disorders . Cases 3 and 4 showed one upper limb in a fixed position ,and the hand seemed to adhere to the umbilical cord isolatedly . In addition ,case 1 showed complete chorioamniotic membrane separation . T here were multiple band‐like echoes adhered to body of 3 fetals during the follow‐up scan at 14 -18 weeks . T he parents of cases 1 and 2 chose to terminate the pregnancy after counseling ,the other 2 cases also induced labor due to intrauterine fetal death at 15+2 weeks and 19+2 weeks respectively . All 4 cases were confirmed as amniotic band syndrome by pathology . Conclusions When the fetal sonographic images showed fixed head position ,disordered intracranial structure ,or adhesion between umbilical cord and hand with limited movement at 11 -14 weeks′ gestation ,it should be paid attention to observing the band‐like echoes and followed up closely to prevent missed diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome .
8. Association of etheno-DNA adduct and DNA methylation level among workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust
Meili SHEN ; Zhini HE ; Xiao ZHANG ; Huawei DUAN ; Yong NIU ; Ping BIN ; Meng YE ; Tao MENG ; Yufei DAI ; Shanfa YU ; Wen CHEN ; Yuxin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2017;51(6):556-561
Objective:
To investigate the association between etheno-DNA adduct and the promoter of DNA methylation levels of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (P16), Ras association domain family 1 (RASSF1A) and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in workers with occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE).
Methods:
We recruited 124 diesel engine testing workers as DEE exposure group and 112 water pump operator in the same area as control group in Henan province in 2012 using cluster sampling. The demographic data were obtained by questionnaire survey; urine after work and venous blood samples were collected from each subject. The urinary etheno-DNA adducts were detected using UPLC-MS/MS, including 1,N6-etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine (εdA) and 3,N4-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine(εdC). The DNA methylation levels of P16, RASSF1A, and MGMT were evaluated using bisulfite-pyrosequencing assay. The percentage of methylation was expressed as the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) over the sum of cytosines (%5mC). Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were applied to analyze the association between etheno-DNA adducts and DNA methylation of P16, RASSF1A, and MGMT.
Results:
The median (
9.Effect of occupational exposure to toluene diisocyanate on workers' health.
Rui JU ; Qiang JIA ; Tao MENG ; Cuijuan WANG ; Xuelei CHEN ; Yong NIU ; Xiao MENG ; Xiao GENG ; Yinghua MA ; Qixiang JIA ; Panpan MIAO ; Yufei DAI ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Hua SHAO
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2016;34(1):23-26
OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of occupational exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) on the workers' health.
METHODSA total of 76 workers exposed to TDI (exposure group) and 64 management staff members (control group) were selected from a factory as the study subjects. Area sampling was performed for the place with exposure to TDI according to the method in GBZ 159-2004 Specifications of air sampling for hazardous substances monitoring in the workplace, and gas chromatography was applied to measure the concentration of TDI in workplace air. The workers' personal information was collected with questionnaire, pulmonary ventilation function was determined with a portable spirometer, hematological parameters were analyzed by automatic blood analyzer and blood chemistry analyzer, and the indicators of oxidative damage and energy metabolism were measured by the reagent kit provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute. SPSS 17 software was applied for statistical analysis.
RESULTSThe exposure group had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1.0), and FEV1.0/FVC ratio than the control group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the exposure group had significantly higher red blood cell count, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count(P<0.01), and significantly lower activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), superoxide dismutase, and succinodehydrogenase (SDH)(P <0.01). In the exposure group, the length of exposure was negatively correlated with the activities of SDH and LDH in the serum (r=-0.319, P <0.05; r=-0.239, P <0.05), and the length of exposure was not found to be correlated with the activity of SOD and pulmonary function indices.
CONCLUSIONTDI can induce inflammatory response and lung ventilation function impairment in workers exposed to TDI, as well as oxidative stress and imbalance of energy metabolism. Therefore, it can cause damage to workers' health, and protective measures should be enhanced.
Case-Control Studies ; Erythrocyte Count ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Inflammation ; physiopathology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; blood ; metabolism ; Leukocyte Count ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Pulmonary Ventilation ; Succinate Dehydrogenase ; blood ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate ; adverse effects ; Vital Capacity
10.Method validation of phosphorylated histone H2AX level detection using primary cultured hepatocytes in genotoxic agent screening
Tao MENG ; Panpan MIAO ; Yuqing JI ; Yong NIU ; Ping BIN ; Yufei DAI ; Yuxin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2016;(2):135-143
OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro test method and to evaluate the genotoxicity of chemicals using primary cultured mouse hepatocytes and the changes in phosphorylated histone H2AX(γH2AX)expression levels to provide a more reliable marker of the identification of genotoxicity. METHODS Hepatocytes were isolated from BALB/c mice by an improved two-step collagenase diges?tion method and then cultured in sandwich configuration. The primary cultured hepatocytes were treat?ed with various concentrations of four known genotoxic agents bleomycin(BLM),benzo(a)pyrene〔B (a)p〕,styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide(SO)within the range of 40 μmol · L-1 and two non-genotoxic agents azathioprine(Aza)and ciclosporin A(CsA)at different time points within 24 h. The cytotoxicity induced by these toxicants was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Then,the changes in γH2AX expression levels in treated cells were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS The four genotoxic agents could be detected and two non-genotoxic agents could not be detected by this method. The γH2AX expression level was the highest when hepatocytes were exposed to BLM and SO for 3 h,or B(a)p and styrene for 6 h(P<0.01). The production of γH2AX was 25.67,18.36,12.43 and 14.25 for the four types of genotoxic agents,respectively,and was approximately 19,13,9 and 11 times that of the vehicle control group(P<0.01)at the optimum time point and concentration. There was a significant positive corre?lation between the indicated concentrations of genotoxic chemicals and γH2AX expression levels(P<0.01). In addition,the production ofγH2AX indicated no marked increase in two non-genotoxic agents such as Aza and CsA in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION This test method can effec?tively distinguish genotoxic agents from non-genotoxic agents,and direct genotoxic agents from indirect genotoxic agents in the absence of S9. γH2AX might be a reliable marker for the identification of the potential genotoxicity of chemicals.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail