1.Performance of body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in screening true obesity in children
FANG Qihuan, WANG Yuedong, ZHAO Min, YANG Lili, XI Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):421-425
Objective:
To evaluate the accuracy of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in screening true obesity among children, so as to provide a scientific basis for precise screening and early prevention and control of childhood obesity.
Methods:
A total of 1 322 children aged 10-15 years old were surveyed by the Huantai Children Cardiovascular Health Cohort in 2021. Fat mass percentage (FMP) and fat mass index (FMI) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, with FMP or FMI values at or above the age and sex-specific 70th percentiles as the criteria for defining true obesity. BMI, WC and WHtR were used to define general obesity and central obesity. The accuracy of these measures in screening for true obesity was evaluated by calculating the missed diagnosis rate, misdiagnosis rate, area under the curve(AUC) for receiver operating characteristic and Kappa coefficient.
Results:
Boys had higher BMI [(21.79±4.56) kg/m 2], WC [(76.41±12.53) cm] and WHtR (0.47±0.07) than girls [(20.83±4.13) kg/m 2, (70.69±10.06) cm, (0.45±0.06)] ( t =4.02, 9.19, 6.63), while boys had lower FMP [(18.29±8.35)%] and FMI [(4.35±2.79) kg/m 2] than girls [(24.87±6.51)%, (5.44±2.53) kg/m 2] ( t =-16.10,-7.42) ( P <0.01). Using FMP as a reference standard, the diagnosis error rates of screening for true obesity based on BMI, WC and WHtR were 12.24%, 2.11% and 2.11%, respectively; the diagnosis error rates were 10.88%, 27.28% and 24.33%; the AUC values were 0.88, 0.85 and 0.87; the Kappa coefficients were 0.67, 0.48 and 0.52. Using FMI as a reference standard, rates of BMI, WC and WHtR screening for true obesity were 14.20%, 1.23% and 2.78%; the diagnosis error rates were 4.81%, 20.84% and 18.14 %; the AUC values were 0.90, 0.89 and 0.90; the Kappa coefficients were 0.81, 0.64 and 0.67.
Conclusions
BMI has a higher diagnosis error rate in screening for true obesity in children, while WC and WHtR have higher diagnosis error rates. It is recommended to promote body fat assessment in clinical practice, so as to achieve more accurate prevention and control of chronic diseases.
2.Predicting Postoperative Motor Function in High-risk Glioma Based on The Morphology Change of Motor Fiber Tracts
Qiang MA ; Song-Lin YU ; Chu-Yue ZHAO ; Xi-Jie WANG ; Song LIN ; Zhen-Tao ZUO ; Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1018-1026
ObjectiveGliomas in the motor functional area can damage the corticospinal tract (CST), leading to motor dysfunction. Currently, there is a lack of unified methods for evaluating the extent of CST damage, especially in patients with high surgical risk where the minimum distance from the lesion to the CST is less than 10 mm. This study aims to further clarify the classification method and clinical significance of CST morphological changes in these patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 109 high-risk functional area glioma patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment with preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) imaging and intraoperative neurostimulation guidance between 2014 and 2024. All patients had a lesion-to-tract distance (LTD) of less than 10 mm between the CST and the lesion. Preoperative DTI evaluation of CST involvement-induced morphological changes were reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases (15.6%) with symmetric CST morphology compared to the healthy side (CST symmetry), 48 cases (44.0%) with significant CST morphology changes compared to the healthy side (CST deformation), and 44 cases (40.4%) with CST overlap with the tumor (CST overlap). Then we classified patients according to preoperative assessment of tumor-induced morphological changes, and analyze postoperative motor function for each category. ResultsPostoperative pathology showed a significantly higher proportion of high-grade gliomas (HGG) in the CST overlap group compared to the other two groups (P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CST overlap was a predictor of HGG (P=0.000). The rate of total tumor resection in the CST deformation group and overlap group was lower than in the CST symmetric group (P=0.008). There was a total of 41 postoperative hemiplegic patients, with 4 cases (23.5%) in the CST symmetric group, 11 cases (22.9%) in the CST deformation group, and 26 cases (59.1%) in the CST overlap group. CST overlap with the tumor predicted postoperative hemiplegia (P=0.016). Two-way ANOVA analysis of the affected/healthy side and CST morphology groups showed significant main effects of CST grouping and healthy-affected side (P=0.017 and P=0.010), with no significant interaction (P=0.31). The fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the CST overlap group and the affected side was lower. A decrease in the FA value on the affected side predicted postoperative hemiplegia (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.9%). ConclusionWe have established a method to predict postoperative hemiplegia in high-risk motor functional area glioma patients based on preoperative CST morphological changes. CST overlap leads to a decrease in CST FA values. This method can be used for precise patient management and aid in accurate preoperative surgical planning.
3.Preliminary exploration of differentiating and treating multiple system atrophy from the perspective of the eight extraordinary meridians
Di ZHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Nannan LI ; Lu CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Jing XUE ; Xinning ZHANG ; Chengru JIA ; Xuan XU ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):392-397
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.
4.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
5.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
6.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
7.Current situation and influencing factors of blood pressure measurement cognition and behavior in community patients
Jie YU ; Yawei ZOU ; Xi CHEN ; Junfeng ZHAO ; Yejing WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):83-87
Objective To investigate the cognition level and behavior compliance of blood pressure measurement in community residents and analyze the related influencing factors, and to provide evidence for community health management and blood pressure control. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate 4470 community patients. Questionnaires included basic personal information,blood pressure measurement cognition, and blood pressure measurement behavior related issues. SPSS 19.0 was used to analyze the basic information, blood pressure measurement cognition, and pressure measurement behavior of the survey subjects. Logistic regression was performed to analyze relevant factors affecting blood pressure measurement cognition and behavior compliance. Results The overall cognitive compliance rate for blood pressure measurement among the visiting community patients was 31.52%. Age, education level, and chronic disease had a statistically significant impact on the cognitive knowledge (P<0.05). The overall behavior compliance rate of blood pressure measurement among the community patients was 23.69%. The cognition, age and education had a statistically significant impact on the overall behavior compliance rate of blood pressure measurement (P<0.05). Conclusion The cognitive level and standardized behavior of blood pressure measurement of community patients need to be improved. More attention should be paid to the elderly, low education level residents and community residents without chronic diseases, to promote community residents to form correct and standardized behavior of blood pressure measurement through health education.
8.Effect and mechanism of gallic acid on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells
Zhiru WANG ; Wenjing ZHAO ; Xi CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):493-498
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of gallic acid (GA) on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its mechanism. MethodsHepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of GA (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 hours, and CCK8 assay was used to measure cell viability and calculate IC50. The experiment was divided into control group (HepG2 cells), 5 μg/mL GA group, 10 μg/mL GA group, and 20 μg/mL GA group. Plate colony formation assay was used to evaluate the effect of GA on cell proliferation; wound healing assay and Transwell chamber assay were used to observe the effect of GA on cell migration and invasion; flow cytometry was used to observe the effect of GA on cell apoptosis; Western blot was used to measure the expression of matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), and apoptosis-related proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThe mean IC50 value of GA on HepG2 cells was 38.02±2.58 μg/mL at 24 hours and 18.36±1.54 μg/mL at 48 hours. The number of cell colonies was 239.00±29.45 in the control group, 210.00±19.00 in the 5 μg/mL GA group, 144.33±16.03 in the 10 μg/mL GA group, and 57.00±9.55 in the 20 μg/mL GA group, suggesting that compared with the control group, each GA group had a significant reduction in cell colony formation ability (all P<0.05). After 24 hours of treatment, the cell migration rate was 42.62%± 7.82% in the control group, 35.34%±6.42% in the 5 μg/mL GA group, 21.85%±4.42% in the 10 μg/mL GA group, and 12.57%± 3.54% in the 20 μg/mL GA group, respectively, in these four groups, and the number of transmembrane cells in these four groups was 230.30±15.30, 182.12±12.60, 137.20±7.50, and 124.40±6.80, respectively, suggesting that compared with the control group, each GA group had significant reductions in migration rate and the number of transmembrane cells (all P<0.05). After 48 hours of treatment, the cell apoptotic rate was 0.67%±0.08% in the control group, 13.27%±1.07% in the 5 μg/mL GA group, 20.94%± 2.45% in the 10 μg/mL GA group, and 40.74%±2.63% in the 20 μg/mL GA group, and compared with the control group, each GA group had a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, each GA group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (all P<0.05) and significant increases in the protein expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (all P<0.05). ConclusionGA can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells and promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells, possibly by regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, and the apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2.
9.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
10.Effects of miR-204-3p inhibitor on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced alveolar epithelial cells
Fang CHEN ; Jing YU ; Wenxuan HU ; Yangyang PI ; Xi ZHANG ; Luning WANG ; Ping ZHAO ; Faxuan WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):622-629
Background The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and microRNAs (miRNA) may be involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis. Objective To investigate the effect of miR-204-3p inhibitor on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide dust-induced alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A co-culture model of macrophages and epithelial cells was established using a Transwell chamber. NR8383 macrophages were seeded into the upper chamber of the Transwell, and RLE-6TN cells were seeded into the lower chamber. After 24 h of culture, the medium in the lower chamber was discarded, washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and replaced with serum-free medium. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, silicosis group, miRNA NC group, and miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chamber was transfected with miRNA NC for the miRNA NC group or the miR-204-3p inhibitor for the miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chambers of the remaining two groups were added by equal amounts of serum-free medium. After 24 h, except for the control group that received an equal volume of serum-free medium, the upper chambers of the remaining three groups were treated with 800 μg·mL−1 silicon dioxide dust. Morphological changes in each group were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related factors, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin, were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin, were also assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The fluorescence expression intensities of α-SMA, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results The morphological observation revealed that RLE-6TN cells in the control group exhibited a regular oval shape. After treatment with silicon dioxide, the cells predominantly displayed a long spindle shape. Following the intervention with the miR-204-3p inhibitor, the number of long spindle-shaped cells increased, and the intercellular gaps widened. The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group exhibited significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of EMT-related markers (α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin) (P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression level of E-Cadherin was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related markers (Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin) were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), decreased E-Cadherin mPNA expression (P<0.05), and elevated mPNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The Western blot analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group had significantly higher protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), lower E-Cadherin protein expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited significantly elevated protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), reduced E-Cadherin expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group showed enhanced fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and reduced fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited increased fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and decreased fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Conclusion The miR-204-3p inhibitor may exacerbate the EMT process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-204-3p plays a negative regulatory role in silicosis fibrosis.


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