4.Mediating role of sleep quality between job burnout and depressive symptoms among Ningxia occupational population
Mengjun CHANG ; Shuangjie YU ; Jin JI ; Jiashu ZHU ; Ye LI ; Suzhen GUAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):557-564
Background Job burnout and depressive symptoms are prevalent among occupational populations, with a close relationship between them. Sleep quality, as a potential mediating factor, significantly affects the mental health of workers. Objective To explore the relationship between job burnout, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms, and determine whether sleep quality mediates the relationship between job burnout and depressive symptoms. Methods From April 25 to May 1, 2024, this study employed cluster sampling to conduct a questionnaire survey among individuals engaged in various occupations across five cities in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The questionnaires included socio-demographic information, as well as the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for assessing burnout, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Out of the
6.Herbal Textual Research on Moschus in Famous Classical Formulas
Juanjuan LIU ; Sini LI ; Jie JI ; Liping YANG ; Houkang CAO ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):194-202
In this paper, by consulting the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and others of the original animal and medicinal materials of Moschus were systematically sorted out and verified, in order to provide the basis for the development and utilization of the famous classical formulas containing Moschus. According to the textual research, musk deer was first recorded in Shanhaijing. Shennong Bencaojing was recorded as Moschus and all generations were used as the correct name, but there were also aliases such as Shefu, Xiangzhang and Xiangqizi. In ancient times, Moschus berezovskii, M. sifanicus and M. moschiferus were the main sources of Moschus, and the quality of Moschus produced in northwest China was better than that produced in the Yangtze River basin. In modern times, Moschus of M. moschiferus produced in northeast China, M. sifanicus produced in Gansu, Sichuan and other places, and M. berezovskii produced in Ningxia, Shaanxi and other places are regarded as genuine. In ancient times, gunshots, lassoes, arrow shots and other methods were generally used to hunt live musk deer, and the sachets were immediately cut off. Those with high quality were called Xiangshanhuo, and dried in the shade after harvesting, which was known as Maoke Shexiang. Cut open the sachet, remove the shell and dry preservation, commonly known as Moschus kernel. In modern times, the method of taking Moschus from the living body of cultured musk deer is adopted, that is, Moschus kernel is directly taken from its sachet, dried in the shade or dried in a closed dryer. This method realizes the sustainable utilization of Chinese herbal medicine resources, but attention should be paid to the frequency and quality of Moschus. The harvesting time is mostly after the autumnal equinox every year, and before the next summer, it is better to gather sachet in winter. In recent times, it is believed that the shell Moschus is dry, full, thin, elastic, loose inside, many particles, strong and persistent aroma for the best, while the Moschus kernel is particle purple-black, powder yellow-brown, soft and oily texture, strong and persistent aroma for the best. The ancient processing method of Moschus was extracting kernels from the shell. After removing impurities, it is ground and used as medicine. Because its composition is not suitable for heating, the processing method is most common in preparations such as grinding into powder and putting into pills or powders, which has the effect of opening up the orifices and refreshing the mind, and it has continued to this day. Based on the research conclusions, it is suggested that the development of famous classical formulas containing Moschus, M. sifanicus, M. moschiferus and M. berezovskii should be used as the origins. According to the processing requirements specified in the original formula, it should be processed and used as medicine, while those without processing requirements should be used as raw products.
7.The Application of Quantum Dots in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Ji-Sheng SHEN ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Zhi-Jian KE ; Qi-Chao WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1917-1931
Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor crystals, have emerged as a revolutionary class of nanomaterials with unique optical and electrochemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Their tunable emission spectra, long-term photostability, high quantum yield, and excellent charge carrier mobility enable precise control over light emission and efficient charge utilization, which are critical for biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the use of quantum dots for disease diagnosis and therapy, highlighting their potential and the challenges involved in clinical translation. Quantum dots can be classified based on their elemental composition and structural configuration. For instance, IB-IIIA-VIA group quantum dots and core-shell structured quantum dots are among the most widely studied types. These classifications are essential for understanding their diverse functionalities and applications. In disease diagnosis, quantum dots have demonstrated remarkable potential due to their high brightness, photostability, and ability to provide precise biomarker detection. They are extensively used in bioimaging technologies, enabling high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and even individual biomolecules. As fluorescent markers, quantum dots facilitate cell tracking, biosensing, and the detection of diseases such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and immune-related disorders. Their ability to provide real-time, in vivo tracking of cellular processes has opened new avenues for early and accurate disease detection. In the realm of disease treatment, quantum dots serve as versatile nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Their nanoscale size and surface modifiability allow them to transport therapeutic agents to specific sites, improving drug bioavailability and reducing off-target effects. Additionally, quantum dots have shown promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, quantum dots interact with oxygen molecules to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can selectively destroy malignant cells, vascular lesions, and microbial infections. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissues, making PDT a promising strategy for treating complex diseases. Despite these advancements, the translation of quantum dots from research to clinical application faces significant challenges. Issues such as toxicity, stability, and scalability in industrial production remain major obstacles. The potential toxicity of quantum dots, particularly to vital organs, has raised concerns about their long-term safety. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate these risks, including surface modification, coating, and encapsulation techniques, which can enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, improving the stability of quantum dots under physiological conditions is crucial for their effective use in biomedical applications. Advances in surface engineering and the development of novel encapsulation methods have shown promise in addressing these stability concerns. Industrial production of quantum dots also presents challenges, particularly in achieving consistent quality and scalability. Recent innovations in synthesis techniques and manufacturing processes are paving the way for large-scale production, which is essential for their widespread adoption in clinical settings. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research progress in quantum dot applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and pathogen detection. It also discusses the multiple barriers hindering their clinical use and explores potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of quantum dot research, emphasizing the need for further studies on toxicity mitigation, stability enhancement, and scalable production. By addressing these critical issues, quantum dots can realize their full potential as transformative tools in disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical science.
8.Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue Capsules
Yuhang MENG ; Jinghua GAO ; Minshan FENG ; Quan JI ; Jin JIN ; Ting CHENG ; Yongyao LI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):177-183
The Compilation Instructions for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Dieda Huoxue capsules systematically expound the development methods and evidence-based basis of this consensus. In view of the weak clinical application evidence and ambiguous indications of Dieda Huoxue capsules, the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Wangjing Hospital took the lead and collaborated with 33 experts from 28 medical institutions nationwide. They strictly followed the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline-making norms and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evidence-grading system and completed the compilation through multidisciplinary cooperation. The workflow included constructing clinical questions (19 items were screened by the nominal group technique), retrieving evidence (from Chinese and English databases and grey literature), assessing safety (integrating drug monitoring data and clinical investigations), and forming recommendations and consensus suggestions (3 recommendations were reached via the GRADE grid method, and 16 consensus suggestions were reached by the majority vote rule). The results indicate that the consensus clearly states that this medicine (Dieda Huoxue capsules) is applicable to conditions like traumatic injury, blood stasis-induced pain, and sudden lumbar sprains. The recommended dose is 6 capsules each time, twice a day. Combining oral administration with external application can enhance the efficacy, and elderly patients should take the medicine at intervals. Safety monitoring suggests that it should be used with caution in people with a bleeding tendency and those with an allergic constitution. The compilation process involved three rounds of reviews by internal and external experts. Literature analysis, the Delphi method, and clinical applicability tests were employed to ensure methodological rigor. The compilation instructions comprehensively present key aspects such as project approval and registration, conflict-of-interest statements, and evidence evaluation through 12 appendices, providing methodological support for the clinical translation of the consensus. In the future, it will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism.
9.Exercise-induced chronic fatigue impairs working memory in rats via basal ganglia output nuclei
Shuo JIN ; Hongyang LI ; Chenxuan JI ; Jinshun QI ; Lina SUN
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2024;40(1):9-15
Objective:To investigate possible neuromodulatory mechanisms involved in the involvement of parvalbu-min(PV)expression in the basal ganglia output nuclei,entopeduncular nucleus(EPN)and substantia nigra pars etic-ulata(SNr),in exercise-induced chronic fatigue impairs working memory capacity.Methods:Male SD rats were divid-ed into control group and Fatigue group by random number method,and a three-stage incremental load treadmill training program was selected to establish a chronic exhaustion exercise-induced fatigue rat model.The working memory ability of rats was assessed by the Y-maze autonomous alternation experiment.Immunohistochemical staining was used to ob-serve the expression of parvalbumin(PV)positive neurons and cysteine aspartate-specific protease-3(caspase-3)in EPN and SNr of rats.Results:The accuracy of voluntary alternation in the fatigue group was obviously lower than that in control group(P<0.05).The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the density of PV positive neu-rons and the degree of positive fiber staining in EPN and SNr in the fatigue group were obviously lower than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The number of caspase-3 positive cells per unit area of EPN and SNr in the fa-tigue group was obviously higher than that in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:The mechanism of impairing working memory in rats caused by exercise-induced chronic fatigue may be related to the apoptosis of PV posi-tive neurons in EPN and SNr.
10.Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Promotes PGC-1α Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Antioxidant Stress to Protect Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia Rats
Ji-Liang KANG ; Ke HU ; Jun-Yue LU ; Zi-Wei HU ; Biao-Ping XU ; Xiao-Mao LI ; Jun-Jie ZHOU ; Yu JIN ; Min TANG ; Rong XU ; You-Liang WEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1191-1202
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

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