Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background Bus drivers are a high-risk group for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). There are a large number of bus drivers in mega-cities. High volumes of passenger traffic and complexity of road conditions may elevate their risk of WMSDs, but there are few studies related to this group. Objective To investigate the prevalence of WMSDs among bus drivers in a mega-city and to analyze potential influencing factors. Methods Based on cross-sectional study design and self-administered questionnaire, the prevalence of WMSDs in past 12 months were estimated by stratified cluster sampling among bus drivers in a mega-city. Pearson χ² and logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors for the body regions with a high prevalence. Results The overall prevalence of WMSDs in past 12 months among bus drivers in a mega-city was 49.5% (551/1113). The prevalence of WMSDs by body regions ranged from 4.0% to 38.5%, and led by neck pain (38.5%), lower back pain (25.5%), and shoulder pain (20.8%). The results of logistic regression showed that the risk factors for neck pain were age (>50 years), smoking, tiredness after work (moderate, severe), long sitting (frequently), awkward postures (sometimes, often, frequently), overtime(occasionally, often), workplace temperature (uncomfortable), and noise (severe) (OR=2.014、1.577、2.793、3.025、2.708、2.032、3.406、2.746、1.442、2.998、1.456、3.506；P<0.05); the lower back pain risk factors were current work experience (6-10 years, 11-15 years, and 16-20 years), smoking, tiredness after work (moderate, severe), and awkward postures(sometimes, often, frequently)(OR=1.777、2.130、2.400、1.503、2.951、3.364、1.836、4.569、2.786，P<0.05); and the shoulder pain risk factors were age (46-50 years, and >50 years), smoking, tiredness after work (moderate, severe), vehicle type (hybrid power, diesel oil), awkward postures (often, frequently), overtime (often), and workplace temperature (uncomfortable) (OR=1.737、2.357、1.553、2.259、2.489、1.659、3.295、2.777、3.320、2.266、1.426，P<0.05). Identified protective factors for neck and lower back pain were off-duty physical activity (1-2 times per week, and ≥3 times per week) (OR=0.553、0.470、0.586、0.485，P<0.05). Conclusion Nearly half of the bus drivers in the mega-city report symptoms of WMSDs, mainly in the neck, lower back, and shoulders. The prevalence is related to individual and occupational factors, and prevention and intervention measures should be actively taken.

Objective To investigate the safety of regular plasma donors aged 55 to 60,so as to provide reference for retention and recruitment of elderly plasma donors in China.Methods Plasma donors from 9 blood products manufacturing enterprises from 2018 to 2020 and the local general population were selected as the research objects.The total protein level,albumin and globulin ratio(ALB/GLB,A/G)and adverse reactions of plasma donation of regular plasma donors and local general population were retrospectively analyzed.Results The total protein level(g/L)and A/G of plasma donors aged 56 to 60 and the general population were 61.21±5.62 vs 60.04±6.93 and 1.610±0.299 vs 1.635±0.330,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant.The total protein level of regular plasma donors was higher than that of general popu-lation,but A/G was slightly lower than that of general population.From 2018 to 2020,there were a total of 23 056 302 plas-ma donations in 108 plasma stations,and adverse reactions occurred in 20 932 donations,with a total incidence of 0.09%,with no serious adverse reactions.Conclusion It is safe for regular plasma donors aged 55 to 60 to donate plasma,and the retention of them can alleviate the pressure of plasma supply.

{L-End}Objective To explore the suitable methods for individual occupational stress examination and evaluation for workers in China based on the electronics industry. {L-End}Methods A total of 1 164 workers from four electronics enterprises in Beijing City were selected as the research subjects using a convenient sampling method. The Occupational Stress Measurement Scale, which was developed based on the Japanese Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, was used to assess the occupational stress of the research subjects, and test the reliability and validity of the scale. Percentile norms and T-score norms were established, and the T-scores of the three dimensions of stress reaction (psychological reaction and physical symptoms), stress factors, and social support were divided into five stages using the normal distribution method with x¯±0.5 s and x¯±1.5 s, which was used to explore a proposed standard for assessing individual stress levels. {L-End}Results The revised scale consisted of 57 items, which could explain 64.0% of the total variation of occupational stress based on the result of item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fitted well, with root mean square error of approximation of 0.052, standardized root mean square residual of 0.070, comparative fit index of 0.960, and Tucker-Lewis index of 0.958. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.951, and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.837. Cronbach's α coefficients of the three dimensions ranged from 0.794 to 0.952, and the Spearman-Brown coefficients ranged from 0.737 to 0.850. The scores of the three dimensions of stress reaction, stress factors, and social support were (49.1±13.0), (44.9±7.7), and (18.1±3.6), respectively. Workers in the electronics industry met one of the following items were identified as the high level of occupational stress individuals: i) a score of stress reaction dimension ≥72.0 points; ii) a sum of stress factor and social support dimension scores ≥81.0 points, and a stress reaction dimension score ≥58.0 points. {L-End}Conclusion The Occupational Stress Measurement Scale and the criteria for determining high level of occupational stress can be used to assess the individual occupational stress levels of workers in the electronics industry in China. This method can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of occupational stress examination and assessment for Chinese workers.

Alzheimer' disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory impairment and multiple cognitive deterioration.Acupuncture intervention in AD has potential efficacy,but the mechanism of onset is not clear.Blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging(BOLD-fMRI)has the unique advantages of accurately locating abnormal AD brain areas and monitoring and analyzing functional activities,providing technical support for the study of AD brain effects.It have found that abnormal changes in functional activity in response to brain regions and brain networks are closely related to the development of AD.Previous studies have shown that acupuncture can exert therapeutic effects by improving the functional impairment of multiple cognitive-related brain regions and brain networks in AD,which may be the mechanism of brain function in AD.Based on BOLD-fMRI technology,this paper elaborates on three aspects:commonly used data analysis methods of AD,the brain function mechanism of AD pathogenesis,and the brain effect study of acupuncture intervention in AD.In order to provide a reference for further exploring the brain effect of acupuncture intervention in AD.

OBJECTIVE To compare anti-ischemic stroke （IS） effect of different extraction parts from Gastrodia elata， and to provide reference for screening the anti-IS effective parts of G. elata. METHODS G. elata was extracted and separated by ethanol reflux extraction and ethyl acetate extraction. The rat model of diffuse cerebral thrombosis was induced by internal carotid artery injection of arachidonic acid （AA）； the anti-IS effect of G. elata powder， ethanol extract of G. elata， residue of ethanol extract of G. elata， ethyl acetate extract of G. elata， residue of ethyl acetate extract of G. elata， gastrodin and aspirin （positive control drug） were investigated with the content of Evans blue （EB） in the ischemic brain tissue as index. RESULTS Compared with model group， aspirin， ethanol extract of G. elata and ethyl acetate extract of G. elata could significantly decrease the content of EB in the ischemic brain tissue of model rats （P＜0.05）. G. elata powder had the tendency to reduce the content of EB in the ischemic brain tissue of model rats， without statistical significance （P＞0.05）. The residue of ethanol extract of G. elata， residue of ethyl acetate extract of G. elata and gastrodin had little effect on the content of EB in the ischemic brain tissue of model rats. CONCLUSIONS Both ethanol extract of G. elata and ethyl acetate extract of G. elata have anti-IS effects， which are stronger than that of G. elata powder.