1.Effects of coal mine dust on lung function in rats
LIU Yang ; LI Meng ; LU Liyuan ; WANG Ru ; YANG He ; ZHANG Huifang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):96-101
Objective:
To explore the impacts of coal mine dust on lung function in rats, so as to provide the basis for the early prevention and treatment of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Methods:
Seventy-two SPF-grade 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the coal dust group, the coal-silica dust group, the silica dust group and the control group. The rats in the first three groups of rats were administered 1 mL corresponding dust suspension into the lungs using non-exposure tracheal instillation, while the rats in the control group were administered 1 mL normal saline. Respiratory rate (f), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after dust exposure. Lung tissues were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels using corresponding ELISA kits and ATP assay kits, respectively. The relative mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were detected using Western blotting.
Results:
There was no interaction between dust type and exposure duration on f (P>0.05), but there were interactions on FVC, PEF and Cdyn (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 6 months after dust exposure, the f of the rats in the silica dust group were increased, while the FVC and PEF of the rats in the coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased, and Cdyn of the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased (all P<0.05). There were interactions between dust type and exposure duration on ROS and ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 3 and 6 months after dust exposure, the ROS levels in the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were increased, while the ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
The lung function impairment in rats caused by different types of coal mine dust is related to PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which leads to increased ROS levels, decreased ATP and TFAM levels.
2.Research on interview outline design and quality control methods based on grounded theory for physician prescribing behavior
Liyuan TAO ; Li WANG ; Xinli XIANG ; Lu YANG ; Songleng DUAN ; Dechun JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):524-528
OBJECTIVE To establish a interview outline design process and quality control evaluation method based on grounded theory, providing ideas for qualitative research interview outline design in medical fields. METHODS A literature review was conducted to understand the current research status; a preliminary interview outline was developed around the research content. The triangulation method, group evaluation, expert review and pre-interview were adopted to execute the interview outline and conduct quality control. The evaluation indicators and target values were formulated (an average score for the overall quality evaluation of all indicators ≥4.5, and an average score for individual indicators ≥4.00) to evaluate the effect of the interview outline. Taking the research on the mechanism of physicians’ prescribing behavior under the background of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) payment as an example, the methodological contents of above interview outline were applied in practical research. RESULTS The interview outline included basic information and interview questions. The interview questions were divided into three parts:influencing factors survey, promoting and hindering factors of standardizing physician prescription behavior, and communication, with a total of 12 questions. After being reviewed by members of the research group, experts review and pre- interview, a total of 9 people participated in the quality control evaluation of the interview outline. The overall evaluation score was 4.94 (>4.50), and the average score of each indicator was greater than 4.00, indicating that the quality of the outline met the requirements for the interview and could be used for the formal interview. CONCLUSIONS The established interview outline design and quality control method based on grounded theory provides ideas for the qualitative research interview outline design in the medical field, and lays the foundation for further using grounded theory to study the influencing factors and mechanisms of physician prescription behavior under the DRG background.
3.Adolescent anxiety and non-suicidal self-injury behavior: the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of social support
Juexi LI ; Liyuan LI ; Yuxuan GUO ; Xiaoqiang XIAO ; Peiqi TANG ; Ting PU ; Haixi ZUO ; Ting YANG ; Xiaoxia FAN ; Bo ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):357-363
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior among adolescents has become a global public health concern. Anxiety and depression are considered key factors influencing NSSI behavior, while social support may play a protective role in alleviating emotional and behavioral issues. However, existing research has primarily focused on the direct impact of individual factors on NSSI behavior, with insufficient exploration of the combined effects of anxiety, depression and social support. ObjectiveTo investigate the direct effect of anxiety on NSSI, the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of social support in relationship between anxiety and NSSI behavior, thus to provide references for the prevention and intervention of NSSI behavior among adolescents. MethodsIn February 2022, a total of 40 820 students in grades 7 to 12 across 10 middle schools in a district of Chengdu were selected as participants, and they were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7), Patient's Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), Social Support Scale for Urban Students (SSSUS) and Adolescent Self-Harm Scale (ASHS). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlations between scale scores among adolescents with NSSI behaviors. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using Process 3.5 in SPSS, and the significance was tested with bootstrapping. The interaction was visualized by using simple slope analysis. ResultsAmong 34 534 (84.60%) valid respondents, 542 adolescents (1.57%) reported engaging in NSSI behavior. Significant differences in gender, GAD-7 scores, PHQ-9 scores, and SSSUS scores were observed between NSSI behavior group and non-NSSI group (χ²/t=62.889, 71.120, 94.365, -41.464, P<0.01).Adolesents with NSSI showed positive correlations between GAD-7 scores and both ASHS and PHQ-9 scores (r=0.158, 0.166, P<0.01). PHQ-9 scores were positively correlated with ASHS scores (r=0.364, P<0.01), but negatively correlated with SSSUS scores (r=-0.290, P<0.01). SSSUS scores were negatively correlated with ASHS scores (r=-0.247, P<0.01). Depression partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and NSSI behavior, with an effect size of 0.544 (95% CI: 0.162~0.944), accounting for 35.79% of the total effect. Social support moderated the relationship between depression and NSSI bahavior, with an effect value of -0.082 (95% CI: -0.135~-0.029). ConclusionAnxiety not only directly influences NSSI bahavior among adolescents, also indirectly exacerbates it through depression, while social support mitigates the impact of depression on NSSI behavior. [Funded by Youth Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82401812); Project of Health Commission of Sichuan Province (number, 24LCYJPT18)]
4.Construction and practice of an intelligent management system for preoperative anemia based on multidisciplinary collaboration
Cuihua TAO ; Yingsen HU ; Xin LIAO ; Hongling TANG ; Liyuan JIANG ; Jiangshang SUN ; Man MOU ; Xiaohui LIU ; Yong HE ; Jie YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1242-1247
Objective: To improve the efficiency and standardization of preoperative anemia diagnosis and treatment by establishing a systematic intelligent management platform for preoperative anemia. Methods: A multidisciplinary collaborative model was adopted to develop a preoperative anemia management system that integrates intelligent early warning, standardized treatment pathways, and quality control. The system utilizes natural language processing technology to automatically capture laboratory data and establish evidence-based medical decision support functions. A pre-post study design was employed to compare changes in preoperative anemia screening rates, preoperative anemia intervention rates, reasonable use of iron supplements, and perioperative red blood cell transfusion rates before and after system implementation. Results: After system implementation, the standardization of anemia diagnosis and treatment significantly improved: 1) Screening effectiveness: The anemia screening rate increased to 50.00% (an increase of 27.24%); 2) Intervention effectiveness: The anemia treatment rate rose to 56.30% (an increase of 14.02%); 3) Treatment standardization: The reasonable use rate of iron supplements increased to 55.33% (an increase of 21.02%); the red blood cell transfusion rate decreased to 18.29% (a decrease of 4.07%), and the amount of red blood cell transfusions was reduced by 291 units. Conclusion: This system achieves full-process management of preoperative anemia through information technology, significantly enhancing the standardization of diagnosis and treatment as well as intervention effectiveness, providing an effective solution for perioperative anemia management.
5.Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids: A Review
Liyuan YANG ; Ju CHENG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Xiaozheng CHEN ; Xiaoyi SHI ; Rasheed AMNA ; Wenjing SHI ; Xiuzhu LIU ; Xiaodong XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):289-298
Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms, which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols, ketones, lactones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature, and their physiological activities are diverse. For example, many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, immune regulation, cell proliferation, and so on. In addition, some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors, inflammation, bacterial diseases, and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death, and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore, the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper, the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-cardiovascular activities, such as Xanthium, Atractylodes, Convolvulus, Acanthium, Ligularia, Artemisia, Ligularia, Ligularia, Labiaceae Mint, Acanthophyllum, Turmeria, Ginger, and other Chinese herbs and plants, were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed, which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.
6.Effect of Icariin Regulating mTOR/Akt/CREB Pathway on High Glucose Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis in Podocytes
Mingxia LI ; Qian YANG ; Haixia QIAO ; Xiaoling WANG ; Liyuan JIA ; Limei HU ; Weidong REN
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(1):19-25
Objective To investigate the effects of icariin on high glucose-induced autophagy and apoptosis of podocytes,and the regulating effects on mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/serine-threonine kinase(Akt)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein(CREB)pathway.Methods The mouse podocytes MPC5 were taken and divided into five groups:normal control group(5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose),high glucose group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose),icariin group(30 mmol·L-1glucose+5 μmol·L-1icariin),GDC-0349 group(30 mmol·L-1glucose+50 μmol·L-1 GDC-0349),icariin+GDC-0349 group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose+5 μmol·L-1 icariin+50 μmol·L-1 GDC-0349).Cultured for 48 hours,the tetramethylazozolium salt method was used to detect the viability of MPC5 cells;acridine orange staining was used to observe the autophagy of MPC5 cells;apoptosis of MPC5 cells was detected by flow cytometry;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of autophagy[microtubule associated protein one light chain 3(LC3)II,LC3Ⅰ,autophagy-related protein(Beclin-1)],apoptosis[Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax),B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)]and mTOR/Akt/CREB pathway-related proteins of MPC5 cells.Results Compared with the normal control group,the cell viability,expression levels of Bcl-2,phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR,phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)/Akt,phosphorylated CREB(p-CREB)/CREB protein of MPC5 cells in the high glucose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the autophagy ability was enhanced,the autophagosome showed orange fluorescence,and the apoptosis rate,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bax protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the high glucose group,the cell viability,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bcl-2,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-Akt/Akt,p-CREB/CREB protein expression levels of MPC5 cells in icariin group were significantly increased,the autophagy ability was further enhanced,the number of autophagosomes was increased,the autophagosomes showed brick red fluorescence(P<0.05),the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression level were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the cell viability,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Bcl-2,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-Akt/Akt and p-CREB/CREB proteins expression levels of MPC5 cells in GDC-0349 group were significantly decreased,the autophagy ability was weakened,the number of autophagosomes was reduced,the autophagosomes showed orange fluorescence(P<0.05),and the apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression level were significantly increased(P<0.05);icariin+GDC-0349 could reverse the effect of icariin on high glucose induced MPC5 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion Icariin promotes elevated glucose-induced podocyte autophagy and inhibits apoptosis by activating the mTOR/Akt/CREB pathway.
7.The Hemodynamic Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation and Optimization of Treatment Strategies for Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Ke XU ; Bao LI ; Youjun LIU ; Liyuan ZHANG ; Ben YANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(1):32-39
Objective To investigate the hemodynamic effects of enhanced external counterpulsation(EECP)on cerebral arteries with different stenoses.Methods Zero-dimensional/three-dimensional multiscale hemodynamic models of cerebral arteries with different stenoses were constructed.Numerical simulations of the EECP hemodynamics were performed under different counterpulsation modes to quantify several hemodynamic indicators of the cerebral arteries.Among them,the mean time-averaged wall shear stress(TAWSS)downstream of the stenosis was in the range of 4-7 Pa,a low percentage of TAWSS risk area,and high narrow branch flow were considered to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis and create a good hemodynamic environment.Results For cerebral arteries with 50%,60%,70%,and 80%stenosis,the hemodynamic environment was optimal in counterpulsation mode when the moment of cuff deflation was 0.5,0.6,0.7,and 0.7 s within the cardiac cycle.Conclusions For 50%stenotic cerebral arteries,the counterpulsation mode with a deflation moment of 0.5 s should be selected.For 60%stenotic cerebral arteries,the counterpulsation mode with a deflation moment of 0.6 s should be selected.For 70%or 80%stenotic cerebral arteries,the counterpulsation mode with a deflation moment of 0.7 s should be selected.As stenosis of the cerebral arteries increases,the pressure duration should be prolonged.This study provides a theoretical reference for the EECP treatment strategy for patients with ischemic stroke with different stenoses.
8.Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata Improves Neurological Function of Ischemic Stroke Rats by Inhibiting Autophagy and Ferroptosis
Saifei LI ; Peipei YUAN ; Yaxin WEI ; Liyuan GAO ; Panying LI ; Yuan RUAN ; Yi CHEN ; Yang FU ; Xiaoke ZHENG ; Weisheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):26-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on neurological function injury in ischemic stroke rats and explore its mechanism. MethodMale SD rats were randomized into sham operation, model, low- and high -dose (3.5 g·kg-1 and 7 g·kg-1) Rehmannia Radix Praeparata, and nimodipine (0.01 g·kg-1) groups. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established with the modified suture occlusion method. Zea-Longa 5-point scoring was employed to evaluate the neurological function of rats. The cerebral infarction volume was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were employed to observe the morphology and damage of the brain tissue. Meanwhile, the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), oxidative stress-related indicators superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the iron (Fe) content in the brain tissue were determined. To explore the mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata in mitigating the neurological damage in ischemic stroke rats, Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the ischemic brain tissue. The autophagy-associated proteins included autophagy effector (beclin-1), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B), and ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (p62). The ferroptosis-associated proteins included transferrin (TF), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and ferropotin (FPN1). The neurological function injury-associated proteins included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed increased neurological function score, cerebral infarction volume, and appearance of nuclear pyknosis and vacuole of cells in the cerebral cortex. In addition, the model group presented elevated levels of LDH, MDA, and Fe (P<0.01) and lowered levels of SOD and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata decreased the content of LDH, MDA, and Fe (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated the levels of SOD and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham operation group, the modeling promoted the expression of beclin-1,LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ, TF, and TFR1 and inhibited the expression of p62, FTH1, FPN1, BDNF, and TrkB (P<0.01). The expression levels of these proteins were recovered after the treatment with Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata. ConclusionRehmanniae Radix Praeparata may inhibit ferroptosis and improve the neurological function in ischemic stroke rats by down-regulating the autophagy level in the brain tissue.
9.Effects of aerobic exercise on the expression of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice
Liyuan YANG ; Yeting ZHANG ; Chuikun LI ; Cuilan WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(26):4113-4120
BACKGROUND:β-amyloid protein and Tau protein have adverse effects on the cognitive function of Alzheimer's disease patients,and Notch1 and Caspase-3 can regulate the expression of β-amyloid protein and Tau protein.It is not clear whether Notch1 and Caspase-3 mediate the process of aerobic exercise to improve the cognitive ability of Alzheimer's disease patients.At present,there is a lack of studies on the effect of long-term aerobic exercise on the expression of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice. OBJECTIVE:To observe the expression of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice undergoing long-term aerobic exercise and to investigate the effects of Notch1 and Caspase-3 in Alzheimer's disease mice. METHODS:Wild type and APP/PS1 double-transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice aged 3 months were randomly divided into four groups:wild control group,wild exercise group,Alzheimer's disease control group and Alzheimer's disease exercise group,with 20 mice in each group.Mice in the control groups were not subjected to exercise,while those in the exercise groups received aerobic exercise intervention for 5 months.After the exercise intervention,Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial learning and memory ability of mice.Real-time PCR,immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect the expressions of Aβ1-42,Tau,Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampal tissues of mice in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The spatial learning and memory ability of Alzheimer's mice was significantly worse than that of wild-type mice(P<0.05).The spatial learning and memory ability of mice in the exercise groups were significantly better than that in the corresponding control groups(P<0.05).The expressions of Aβ1-42,Tau,Notch1 and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the Alzheimer's disease control group than the wild control group(P<0.05)and were significantly lower in the Alzheimer's disease exercise group than the Alzheimer's disease control group(P<0.05).To conclude,long-term aerobic exercise can improve the spatial learning and memory ability of Alzheimer's disease mice,which may be related to the decreased expression of Notch1,Caspase-3,Aβ1-42 and Tau protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease mice.
10.Ocular surface changes in keratoconus after long-term wearing of rigid gas permeable contact lens
Nana ZHANG ; Meiling QIAN ; Liyuan YANG ; Jun YANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(7):1127-1131
AIM: To analyze changes in the ocular surface parameters of keratoconus after long-term wearing of rigid gas permeable contact lens(RGPCL).METHODS:Prospective case study. A total of 113 keratoconus patients(213 eyes)fitted with RGPCL in the optometry center of Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were included. They were divided into three groups according to the severity of keratoconus, including 42 cases(80 eyes)in mild keratoconus group, 54 cases(102 eyes)in moderate keratoconus group and 17 cases(31 eyes)in severe keratoconus group. Furthermore, the non-invasive tear break-up time(NIBUT), non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), red eye index, lipid layer thickness, fluorescent corneal staining, meibomian gland secretory function, Schirmer I test and ocular surface disease index(OSDI)scores were observed by Keratograph analyzer before and after wearing RGPCL for 1 wk, 1, 3, 6, 12 mo, respectively.RESULTS: There were no statistical significance in the age, NIBUT, NITMH, lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland secretory function and Schirmer I test among the three groups(P>0.05), while there were statistical significance in the sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), non-contact intraocular pressure(IOPNCT), anterior, posterior corneal surface Kmax, corneal surface thickness at the thinnest point, eye redness index, fluorescent corneal staining, and OSDI(P<0.05). In the mild keratoconus group, NIBUT had statistical differences at 3, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05), NITMH had statistical differences in 6 and 12 mo(P<0.05), the eye redness index, fluorescent corneal staining and OSDI scores had statistical differences in 1 wk and 1 mo(P<0.05), and lipid layer thickness and meibomian gland secretory function had statistical differences in 12 mo(P<0.05). In the moderate keratoconus group, there were statistical differences in NIBUT at 6 and 12 mo after wearing lenses(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the NITMH, lipid layer thickness and meibomian secretory function at 12 mo after wearing lens(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the eye redness index at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the fluorescent corneal staining at 1 wk after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the OSDI at 1 wk and 1 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05). In the severe keratoconus group, there were statistical differences in the NIBUT, NITMH and eye redness index at 1 wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the lipid layer thickness at 6,12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the fluorescent corneal staining and OSDI scores at 1 wk, 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); there were statistical differences in the meibomian secretory function at 6 and 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05); and there were statistical differences in the Schirmer I test at 12 mo after wearing RGPCL(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Long-term wearing of RGPCL can affect the ocular surface microcirculation in keratoconus patients, thus making differences in patients subjective. However, it has no significant impact on the visual quality of patients. Therefore, long-term wearing of RGPCL is safely to control the progression of keratoconus.


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