1.Progress in the detection of latent tuberculosis infection
Shuang ZHANG ; Hong ZHAO ; Meixia YANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):94-99
ObjectiveTo introduce the three main techniques for tuberculosis screening currently used in China, to systematically evaluate their accuracy in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), so as to provide scientific basis and recommendations for the formulation of China’s tuberculosis screening strategy. MethodsLiterature on the diagnosis of tuberculosis by tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), and recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein (EC) skin test from January 1, 2010 to August 22, 2024 was comprehensively retrieved from PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database through computerized search. Besides, all the literature was screened in accordance to the inclusion criteria for diagnostic tests, and characteristic information of the literature selected was extracted simultaneously. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software, with a random-effects model used for weighted quantitative synthesis of included literature, calculating pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsA total of 543 relevant articles were retrieved, with 105 ultimately included. Among them, 33 articles reported diagnostic data for TST, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.68 (95%CI: 0.62‒0.73), specificity of 0.67 (95%CI: 0.60‒0.73), positive likelihood ratio of 2.0 (95%CI: 1.7‒2.5), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.48 (95%CI: 0.40‒0.58). Ninety-four articles reported the diagnostic value of IGRAs test, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.87‒0.89), specificity of 0.82 (95%CI: 0.79‒0.84), positive likelihood ratio of 4.8 (95%CI: 4.2‒5.6), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.15 (95%CI: 0.13‒0.17). Data on EC skin test was limited, but preliminary analysis showed that it had high sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionIGRA has a significant advantage in diagnosing LTBI, and EC skin test also shows good diagnostic performance, although relevant data is limited. TST remains suitable for large-scale screening due to its cost-effectiveness.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Gandou Fumu Granules in Intervention of Liver Fibrosis in WD Patients with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome and Effect on Cuproptosis-related Indicators
Fei WANG ; Zhenzhen JIANG ; Yimin CHEN ; Zhuang TAO ; Meixia WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):174-181
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Gandou Fumu Granules (GDFMG) combined with sodium dimercaptosulphonate (DMPS) on liver fibrosis in Wilson disease (WD) patients with the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis, evaluate its effect on cuproptosis-related indicators, and explore the possible mechanisms of cuproptosis in WD-related liver fibrosis. MethodsSixty WD patients diagnosed with the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis between January 2023 and December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received the copper chelator DMPS for the first 6 days, followed by calcium gluconate injection for the next 2 days, completing an 8-day treatment cycle. The observation group received GDFMG in addition to the treatment regimen of the control group, with both groups treated for 21 cycles. A Beckman fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to detect levels of type Ⅳ collagen (CⅣ), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen (PⅢ-NP), and serum copper (SCu) before and after treatment in both groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT). Atomic absorption spectroscopy measured 24-hour urine copper levels before treatment and after the 7, 14, and 21 treatment cycles in both groups. An Fibro Touch (FT) non-invasive liver fibrosis diagnostic device was used to measure liver stiffness (LSM) in both groups before and after treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score (TCMSS) was evaluated at the same intervals. Clinical efficacy, adverse events, and safety indicators were also compared. ResultsAfter treatment, levels of CⅣ, HA, LN, and PⅢNP significantly decreased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01). The observation group showed a more pronounced reduction compared to the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in SCu levels in both groups before and after treatment. After treatment, levels of FDX1,LIAS and DLAT significantly increased in both groups(P<0.01). The observation group showed more notable improvements in these indicators than the control group (P<0.05). After the 7, 14, 21 treatment cycles, 24-hour urine copper levels significantly increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01). The observation group had a greater increase in 24-hour urine copper levels than the control group after treatment (P<0.05,P<0.01), and although 24-hour urine copper levels increased after 7 cycles, a gradual decline was observed in subsequent cycles. After treatment, LSM levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01), with the observation group showing a greater reduction than the control group (P<0.05). Clinical efficacy was significantly better in the observation group than the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences in the incidence of adverse events or safety indicators were observed between the two groups after treatment. ConclusionGDFMG combined with DMPS can reduce LSM in WD patients with liver fibrosis and the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis, inhibit cuproptosis, and improve clinical efficacy.
3.Assignment of chemical exposure parameter in occupational health risk assessment models: Key consideration
Jiayun DING ; Meixia LIU ; Jiming ZHANG ; Yan YIN ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):497-502
The core idea of occupational health risk assessment models is to systematically evaluate occupational health risks according to target hazard characteristics and relevant exposure levels of workers. Occupational exposure assessment is based on concentration, frequency, exposure time, and other indicators that indicate actual exposure of workers to occupational hazards, which is a critical component of health risk assessment. However, the accuracy and comparability of assessment results are affected by differences in parameter assignment for exposure assessment across different studies, as well as insufficient emphasis on multiple occupational hazard exposure. This review aimed to explore the assignment and standardization of exposure assessment parameters for occupational health risk assessment modeling, and systematically sorted out the meaning, assignment methods, and sources of exposure assessment related parameters in commonly used occupational health risk assessment models, with the goal of providing researchers with standardized assessment tools to enhance the scientific rigor and practicality of occupational health risk assessments. Considering the individual differences and temporal fluctuations in occupational exposure, it is recommended that researchers should adopt appropriate sampling strategies, reasonably select sample subjects and time based on the division of similar exposure group (SEG), and conduct statistical inference on the obtained data to derive representative exposure parameters. For combined exposure to chemicals with similar toxic effects, the health risk assessment methods are relatively mature. However, the assessment of combined exposure to hazards with different properties and health effects still lacks scientific authority and needs further research and discussion.
4.Simulation analysis of the protective performance of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays
Zhiqiang XU ; Huaixin NI ; Jiwu GENG ; Lichun LI ; Zaoqin ZHANG ; Shibiao SU ; Meixia WANG ; Ming LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):209-213
Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide 18F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide 18F was 1.339 4×10−1 μSv·m2/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by 18F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm3 mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were
5.Influence of platelet-albumin-bilirubin score on textbook outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Meixia LI ; Li QIN ; Zhancheng QIU ; Tinghao CHEN ; Yueqing XU ; Chuan LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):927-933
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) score on the textbook outcome (TO) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy, as well as the association of different PALBI scores before surgery with the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the data of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Ziyang Central Hospital from January 2013 to January 2022. TO was defined as no serious complication within 30 days after surgery, no death within 90 days, no rehospitalization within 30 days after discharge, no blood transfusion in the perioperative period, RO resection, and no prolongation of hospital stay. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves of HCC patients, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison. ResultsA total of 3 599 patients were included in this study, among whom 2 369 (65.8%) achieved TO. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PALBI grade (PALBI grade 2: odds ratio [OR]=1.562, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.308 — 1.864, P<0.001; PALBI grade 3: OR=2.216, 95%CI: 1.463 — 3.359, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for achievement of TO after surgery in HCC patients. The proportion of patients achieving TO decreased with the increase in PALBI grade. Among the patients with PALBI grade 1, 2 or 3, the patients achieving TO accounted for 70.2%, 54.2%, and 38.4%, respectively (χ2=106.295, P<0.001). The incidence rate of serious complications within 30 days, the mortality rate of patients within 90 days after hepatectomy, readmission rate within 30 days after discharge, perioperative blood transfusion rate, and the rate of prolonged hospital stay all increased with the increase in PALBI grade (all P<0.05). For the patients achieving TO, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 79.5%, 60.6%, and 51.5%, respectively, and the overall survival rates were 92.1%, 80.0%, and 71.1%, respectively; for those who did not achieve TO, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 68.5%, 52.7%, and 46.2%, respectively, and the overall survival rates were 83.3%, 66.0%, and 57.1%, respectively. The patients who achieved TO had significantly better relapse-free survival rate and overall survival rate than those who did not achieve TO (χ2=18.936 and 79.371, both P<0.001). ConclusionPreoperative PALBI grade can affect the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients, and it is more difficult for patients with a higher PALBI grade to achieve TO. Preoperative PALBI score can be used to early identify the patients with a high risk of postoperative complications, provide early intervention, and enhance perioperative management, thereby improving the perioperative safety and long-term prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy.
6.Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation of Cuproptosis-related Genes in Wilson Disease
Zhuang TAO ; Meixia WANG ; Shuai KANG ; Jipeng LIU ; Rui WANG ; Jiafeng ZHOU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):124-131
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cuproptosis and identify cuproptosis-related genes in Wilson disease (WD) through bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation,providing implications and directions for the diagnosis and treatment of WD. Methods(1) Screening of target genes: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WD and healthy control were obtained from GeneCards,and the cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and published literature.The cuproptosis-related genes in WD were obtained by intersection.Through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses,the specific biological process,functions or metabolic pathways of cuproptosis-related genes in WD were predicted.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization were then performed to analyze and verify the potential regulatory mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction for cuproptosis.(2)Validation of target genes: The blood samples of 15 WD patients treated in the department of encephalopathy and 15 healthy volunteers undergoing physical examinations in the health management center were randomly collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine.The expression levels of target genes were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. Results(1) A total of 3 607 DEGs in WD were obtained from GSE107323 in GEO,and 68 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained from GeneCards and published literature.Twelve common target genes were obtained by intersection,including three up-related genes(SQSTM1,MIF1,and TAX1BP1) and nine down-regulated genes(CP,SERPINE1,AOC3,GPX4,SLC27A5,VEGF-A,PDHB,PDK1,and ATP7B).The common target genes were mainly enriched in monocarboxylic acid metabolism,oxidoreductase activity,negative regulation of molecular functions,which mainly involved HIF-1,ferroptosis and other signaling pathways.Molecular docking and PyMOL visualization results showed Gandou Fumu Decoction had good binding ability with the cuproptosis-related genes PDK1,SERPINE1,VEGFA,and AOC3 in WD.(2)A total of 30 blood samples were collected,including 15 WD patients and 15 health volunteers.Western blot results showed that expression levels of target genes were consistent with the results obtained by bioinformatics analysis.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with healthy volunteers,WD patients had down-regulated mRNA levels of SERPINE1,GPX4,SLC27A5,and VEGF-A and up-regulated mRNA levels of SQSTM1 and MIF1(P<0.05). ConclusionThe expression levels of cuproptosis-related genes in WD patients are consistent with the results predicted by bioinformatics analysis.The characteristic preparation Gandou Fumu Decoction of Xin'an Medicine showed good binding abilities with the cuproptosis-related genes in WD.Cuproptosis may play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanism of WD,which can provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of WD.
7.Effect and mechanism of paeonol in regulating NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway to inhibit the migration of bladder cancer T24 cells
Xinyao AI ; Wenjia CHEN ; Xi CHEN ; Yingzheng WANG ; Yinghao WANG ; Meixia HUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1871-1875
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of paeonol in inhibiting the migration of bladder cancer T24 cells by regulating nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)-mediated aerobic glycolysis. METHODS T24 cells were divided into control group, cisplatin group (positive control, 3.001 μg/mL), and paeonol low-, medium- and high-dose groups (100, 200, 400 μg/mL), respectively. After 24 h of administration intervention, the effect of paeonol on the migration ability of T24 cells was detected (expressed by the cell scratch wound healing rate). The effect of paeonol on the mitochondrial membrane potential of T24 cells was detected (expressed by the ratio of red/green fluorescence intensity). Cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and lactate content in T24 cells were measured. The levels of NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway, the expression of migration-related proteins, and key enzymes involved in aerobic glycolysis in the cells were all determined. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the cell scratch wound healing rates in the paeonol medium- and high-dose groups and the cisplatin group were decreased significantly (P<0.01); in the paeonol groups, the expression levels of NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway-related proteins such as NF- κB and HIF-1α, migration-related proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and vascular endothelial growth factor, as well as key enzymes involved in aerobic glycolysis such as glucose transporter 1, hexokinase 2 and pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2, were all reduced to varying degrees in the cells, most of these reductions showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the ratio of red/green fluorescence intensity in mitochondria of cells in the medium- and high-dose paeonol groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the ATP concentration in cells of the paeonol high-dose group, and the lactate content in cells across all paeonol groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Paeonol significantly inhibits the migration of bladder cancer T24 cells, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway, and the down-regulation of key enzyme activities involved in aerobic glycolysis.
8.Characteristics of gut microbiota determine effects of specific probiotics strains in patients with functional constipation.
Haohao ZHANG ; Lijuan SUN ; Zhixin ZHAO ; Yao ZHOU ; Yuyao LIU ; Nannan ZHANG ; Junya YAN ; Shibo WANG ; Renlong LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xueying WANG ; Wenjiao LI ; Yan PAN ; Meixia WANG ; Bing LUO ; Mengbin LI ; Zhihong SUN ; Yongxiang ZHAO ; Yongzhan NIE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(1):120-122
9.The role of jasmonic acid in stress resistance of plants: a review.
Lehuan ZHANG ; Changyu ZOU ; Tianxiang ZHU ; Meixia DU ; Xiuping ZOU ; Yongrui HE ; Shanchun CHEN ; Qin LONG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):15-34
Jasmonic acid (JA), a plant endogenously synthesized lipid hormone, plays an important role in response to stress. This manuscript summarized the biosynthesis and metabolism of JA and its related regulatory mechanisms, as well as the signal transduction of JA. The mechanism and regulatory network of JA in plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses were systematically reviewed, with the latest advances highlighted. In addition, this review summarized the signal crosstalk between JA and other hormones in regulating plant resistance to various stresses. Finally, the problems to be solved in the study of plant stress resistance mediated by JA were discussed, and the application of new molecular biological technologies in regulating JA signaling to enhance crop resistance was prospected, with the aim to facilitate future research and application of plant stress resistance.
Signal Transduction
;
Cyclopentanes
;
Oxylipins
;
Plant Growth Regulators
10.Application and comparison of three risk assessment methods for occupational health risk assessment of dust in a sanitary ceramic product manufacturing enterprise
Song JIANG ; Yuanqiang JIANG ; Meixia LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):179-185
ObjectiveThree methods were applied to conduct occupational health risk assessment for the working positions exposed to silicon dusts in a sanitary ceramic manufacturing factory, and the evaluation results were compared to explore the applicability of different occupational health risk assessment methods. MethodsOne large sanitary ceramic product manufacturing enterprise in Songjiang District, Shanghai was selected to conduct occupational health risk assessment for the working positions exposed to silicon dusts, using occupational hazard risk index evaluation method, exposure ratio evaluation method, and International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) quantitative occupational health risk assessment method . The consistency of the evaluation results of the three methods was tested using weighted Kappa method. ResultsFourteen working positions exposed to silicon dusts were identified, and three positions had excessive dust concentration: composite forming position of phase 2 workshop (0.80 mg·m-3), addition forming position of phase 2 workshop (1.00 mg·m-3), and glazing position of 1F in phase 2 workshop (1.50 mg·m-3), with an excessive rate of 21.42%. The occupational hazard risk index evaluation method assessed 6 positions with no harm, 6 positions with mild harm, and 2 positions with moderate harm. The ICMM quantitative occupational health risk assessment method assessed 6 positions with potential risks, 2 positions with tolerable risks, and 6 positions with intolerable risks. The exposure ratio evaluation method assessed 8 positions with medium risk, 5 positions with high risk, and 1 position with extremely high risk. The consistency test results of the three evaluation methods were poor. The Kappa coefficient between the occupational hazard risk index evaluation method and the ICMM quantitative occupational health risk assessment method was 0.15. The Kappa coefficient between the occupational hazard risk index evaluation method and the exposure ratio evaluation method was -0.09. The Kappa coefficient between the ICMM quantitative occupational health risk assessment method and the exposure ratio evaluation method was 0.04. The RR values obtained by the three evaluation methods were significantly correlated: the correlation coefficients between RRICMM quantitative assessment method and RRexposure ratio evaluation method, RROccupational hazard risk index evaluation method and RRICMM quantitative assessment method, RROccupational hazard risk index evaluation method and RRexposure ratio evaluation method were 0.915, 0.604, and 0.594, respectively. The correlation between the assessment result level and CTWA was strong. ConclusionThe occupational hazard risk index evaluation method is suitable for the working positions with low silicon dust exposure concentration, the ICMM quantitative occupational health risk assessment method and the exposure ratio evaluation method are suitable for the positions with high silicon dust exposure concentration, but all these three evaluation methods have limitations. It is more reasonable to use multiple methods at the same time in actual evaluation work.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail