1.History, Experience, Opportunities, and Challenges in Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Linxian, Henan Province, A High Incidence Area for Esophageal Cancer
Lidong WANG ; Xiaoqian ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Duo YOU ; Lingling LEI ; Ruihua XU ; Jin HUANG ; Wenli HAN ; Ran WANG ; Qide BAO ; Aifang JI ; Lei MA ; Shegan GAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):251-255
Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading
2.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
3.Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Related Symptoms and Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Long-Term Survival of Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in China
Kan ZHONG ; Xin SONG ; Ran WANG ; Mengxia WEI ; Xueke ZHAO ; Lei MA ; Quanxiao XU ; Jianwei KU ; Lingling LEI ; Wenli HAN ; Ruihua XU ; Jin HUANG ; Zongmin FAN ; Xuena HAN ; Wei GUO ; Xianzeng WANG ; Fuqiang QIN ; Aili LI ; Hong LUO ; Bei LI ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):661-665
Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of
4.Evaluation of the hygiene status of teaching environment in primary and secondary schools in Beijing City from 2016 to 2020
ZHAO Jinhui, QIN Ran, WANG Wenxin, XU Huiyu, GAO Ruoyi, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(3):431-436
Objective:
To understand the trend of changes of hygiene status in the teaching environment among primary and secondary schools in Beijing City during 2016-2020, so as to provide basis for further improving the teaching environment and campus hygiene conditions in primary and secondary schools.
Methods:
A proportional systematic sampling method covered over 50% of schools selected annually in Beijing from 2016 to 2019, and 34% were selected in 2020. Two representative classrooms were selected from each selected school for testing based on their structure and other factors, with 6 196 classrooms supervised, from 2016 to 2020,1 330,1 312,1 384,1 322,848 classrooms were monitored for each year.
Results:
From 2016 to 2020, the overall lighting qualification rate of classrooms (lighting coefficient 72.8%, window to floor area ratio 41.8%, rear wall reflectance ratio 42.2%, blackboard reflection ratio 37.4%), the overall qualification rate of average blackboard illumination and uniformity (50.6%, 34.9 %), and the overall qualification rate of desk and chair allocation (58.6%) were all below 80%. The overall qualification rate of per capita classroom area (87.5%), blackboard size (83.2%), average desk illumination ( 80.1% ), average desk illumination and uniformity (82.9%), the distance between lamp and desk (99.1%), carbon dioxide ( 86.6% ), temperature (84.9%), and noise (96.6%) were all above 80%. The following indicators, blackboard size, the distance between lamp and desk, average blackboard illumination, lighting coefficient, blackboard reflectance, rear wall reflectance, carbon dioxide, temperature, and noise ( χ 2=78.38, 9.71, 11.76, 320.59, 37.63, 58.45, 236.45, 1 347.56, 101.97), had statistically significance between years. Among those indicators, the qualified rates of blackboard size, blackboard reflectance, lighting coefficient, and noise had been increasing year by year ( χ 2 trend =69.98, 15.82, 240.02, 5.77) ( P <0.05). The qualified rates of per capita classroom area, window to floor area ratio, and blackboard reflection ratio in primary schools (81.6%, 39.8%, 36.3%) were all lower than those in secondary schools (94.9%, 44.5%, 40.3%) ( χ 2=246.32, 12.03, 10.51, P <0.05). The qualified rates of blackboard size, average blackboard illumination, average blackboard illumination and uniformity, and desk and chair allocation (89.3%, 55.6% , 36.0%, and 60.2%) were all higher than those in secondary schools (75.4%, 44.1%, 33.3%, and 56.5%) ( χ 2=209.33, 78.41, 4.44, 8.22) ( P <0.05). The qualified rates of average desk illumination and uniformity, average blackboard illumination, rear wall reflectance ratio, desk and chair allocation, carbon dioxide, temperature, and noise indicators in urban area (82.9%, 84.1% , 51.9%, 45.0%, 60.9%, 91.2%, 89.5%, 97.8%) were all higher than those in suburban area (77.3%, 81.7%, 49.2%, 39.5%, 56.3%, 82.3%, 80.4%, 95.5%) ( χ 2=31.16, 6.28, 4.36, 16.40, 13.39, 105.29, 98.23, 24.66, P <0.05). The qualified rates of the distance between lamp and desk, lighting coefficient, window to floor area ratio, blackboard size, blackboard reflection ratio, average blackboard illumination and uniformity, and per capita classroom area in urban areas (98.8%, 65.2%, 34.3%, 76.7%, 35.9%, 30.1%, 84.6%) were all lower than those in suburban areas (99.4%, 81.4%, 49.8%, 89.7%, 40.2%, 39.6%, 90.3%) ( χ 2=6.80, 171.67, 132.43, 188.46 , 12.45, 60.28, 44.82) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The main problems in the teaching environment of schools in Beijing are classroom lighting, as well as desk and chair allocation. The findings suggest technical rationality and operability of relevant standard should be considered when under revision, and standard training and supervision management should be strengthened, with the aim of teaching environment improvement.
5.Vitamin D Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Dopamine Nervous System in Brain
Hua-Lin WANG ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Ran LIU ; Ke LI ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1530-1539
Vitamin D is a unique fat-soluble vitamin that plays an indispensable role in human health. It exists in various forms, the most significant being vitamin D2 (derived from plant sources) and vitamin D3 (synthesized naturally in human skin upon exposure to sunlight). Vitamin D’s primary function is to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D significantly influences the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular health, and the regulation of brain functions. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various chronic diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, decreased immunity, increased risk of mental disorders, and cancers. The synthesis of vitamin D in the human body, both peripherally and centrally, relies on sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and various supplements. As a neuroactive steroid, vitamin D impacts both the physiological and pathological processes of the nervous system and plays a key role in brain health. It profoundly affects the brain by regulating neurotransmitter synthesis and maintaining intracellular calcium balance. As an essential chemical molecule, vitamin D participates in complex signal transduction pathways, impacting neurotransmitter functions and synaptic plasticity. Vitamin D’s role in regulating dopamine (DA)—a neurotransmitter critical for motivation, reward perception, and other higher cognitive functions—is particularly noteworthy. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D not only promotes the synthesis of DA but also plays a role in regulating DA levels within the brain. It exerts neuroprotective effects on DA neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and neurotrophic support, thereby creating an optimal environment for DA neurons, influencing neuronal structure, and affecting the movement of calcium ions within nerve cells, positively impacting the overall health and functionality of the DA system. Furthermore, vitamin D can regulate the synthesis and release of DA, thus affecting the signal transmission of various DA neural projection pathways in the brain. This function is vital for understanding the complex interactions between neural mechanisms and their effects on key behaviors and cognitive functions. This review aims to delve deeply into the synthesis, metabolism, and pathways of vitamin D’s action, especially its regulatory mechanisms on DA neurons. Through this exploration, this article seeks to provide a solid theoretical foundation and research framework for a deeper understanding of vitamin D’s role in motivation and reward behaviors. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the broader significance of vitamin D in the fields of neuroscience and neurology. In summary, research and discoveries regarding vitamin D’s impact on the nervous system highlight its importance in neural health and function. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the complex workings of the nervous system but also open new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The exploration of vitamin D’s multifaceted roles offers promising prospects for developing new therapeutic strategies, underscoring the compound’s potential in addressing a range of neural dysfunctions and diseases. As research continues to evolve, the profound implications of vitamin D in the field of neurology and beyond become increasingly apparent, marking it as a key target for ongoing and future scientific inquiry.
6.Establishment of physiological based pharmacokinetic model of ritonavir and prediction of its drug-drug interactions
Ze-Xu SUN ; Nan ZHAO ; Ran XIE ; Zhao-Qian LIU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):259-263
Objective To develop a physiological pharmacokinetic(PBPK)model of ritonavir,simulate ritonavir-mediated drug interactions,and provide future predictions for ritonavir pharmacokinetics(PK)and drug-drug interaction(DDI).Methods The PBPK model of ritonavir was constructed by searching relevant databases,collecting data on the physicochemical properties,PK,DDI related parameters and clinical studies of ritonavir,and using PK-Sim software to optimize and validate the parameters of the model to evaluate the performance of the constructed PBPK model in describing the PK characteristics and predicting the DDI of ritonavir.Results The ritonavir PBPK model demonstrated good performance,and by calculating the geometric mean folded error(GMFE)between the Sim and actual Obs values,the GMFEs of ritonavir AUC and Cmax were 1.11 and 1.16,respectively,and the GMFEs of ritonavir AUC and Cmax after combination with ritonavir were 1.24 and 1.26,respectively.Conclusion The PBPK model of ritonavir has been successfully constructed,and the effect of ritonavir on the metabolic enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 is significant.Therefore,when ritonavir is combined with the victim drugs,individualized dosing can be guided according to the PBPK model.
7.Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer
Hao-Ran XU ; Xiao-Yi ZHAO ; He NIE ; Hui WANG ; Qing-Lin ZHANG ; Qiang ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2570-2586
Improving the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) holds important clinical and social significance. Immunotherapy is an emerging therapy approach for cancers, which mainly include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), immune vaccine and adoptive cell therapy. ICI have achieved good clinical translation in treatment of metastatic CRC with deficient DNA mismatch repair/high microsatellite instability (dMMR/MSI-H) status. The application of some ICI, such as PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, in this type patients have been approved by the FDA. In addition,numerous positive results are acquired in clinical trials of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable dMMR/MSI-H CRC. These results greatly bolstered the exploration enthusiasm of CRC immunotherapy. However, the proficient DNA mismatch repair/microsatellite stability (pMMR/MSS) CRC, which accounting for the vast majority in related patients, hardly benefit from ICI therapy. Various combination strategies, mainly including ICI combined with traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy, have been attempted to alter the “cold tumors” microenvironment characteristics of pMMR/MSS CRC in clinical trials, whereas no breakthrough results were reached. Theoretically, tumor vaccines are ideal choice to break down the barrier of insufficient immune infiltration in solid tumors. However, the outcomes of related clinical trials in CRC patents are not satisfactory, and partially due to the weak specificity of the applied tumor-associated antigens. Clinical studies of adoptive cell therapy in CRC are also actively underway. The favorable efficacy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) and dendritic cell-CIK in CRC have been confirmed, while the CAR-T and TCR-T therapies need more exploration based on screening more suitable antigens and optimizing engineering design. In this review, we made a summary based on the mainline of clinical studies related to diverse immunotherapies, so as to clarify the progress of CRC immunotherapy and provide bases for exploration of better treatment options.
8.Research Progress in the Differentiation and Treatment of Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Recent 10 Years
Si-Zhong XU ; Jia-Qi LIU ; Yun-Ran LI ; Yi ZHAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(8):2219-2224
This paper reviewed the research progress in the differentiation and treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the recent 10 years.PLGC refers to the intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of gastric mucosa developed from chronic atrophic gastritis.As an intermediate stage between chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer,PLGC progresses slowly.TCM has certain advantages in the treatment of PLGC.PLGC can be mainly differentiated as five TCM syndrome types:spleen-stomach weakness syndrome,damp-heat in the spleen and stomach syndrome,qi stagnation in the liver and stomach syndrome,stasis obstruction in the stomach collateral syndrome,and stomach-yin deficiency syndrome.The popularization of gastroscopy technology has promoted the development of microscopic syndrome differentiation of gastric diseases.The combination of microscopic syndrome differentiation and macroscopic syndrome differentiation provides more theoretical supports for the TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment of PLGC.The basic pathogenesis of PLGC is due to the weakness of spleen and stomach and the disordered qi movement in the spleen and stomach,complicated by the accumulation of pathological factors such as damp-heat,stasis-toxin,phlegm-damp,and then the stomach-yin will be consumed over time.An amount of clinical studies on the treatment of PLGC with Chinese medicine have been carried out in recent years.The Chinese medicine treatment of PLGC is mainly through benefiting qi and invigorating spleen,assisted by the methods of soothing liver and activating blood,resolving dampness and eliminating stasis,resolving stasis and removing toxins,and nourishing yin and benefiting stomach,so as to prevent the PLGC progressing to gastric cancer.There are few studies on acupuncture treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.Therefore,it is necessary to carry out more strict and standardized multi-center large-sample RCTs,and to further study the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for PLGC,in order to provide more high-level evidence for the treatment of PLGC with TCM therapy.
9.Association of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels with prognosis of TACE treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Shunle LI ; Rong LI ; Yaya TIAN ; Xiaoli RAN ; Yanpei ZHAO ; Meng XU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(9):1284-1289
Objective To explore the relationship between serum Krüppel-like factor 5(KLF5)and actinin-4 with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods From March 2015 to March 2020,130 HCC patients admitted into the Second Affiliated Hospital were collected as study subjects and divided into HCC group and 86 patients with liver cirrhosis were collected as control group.After 3 years of postoperative follow-up,HCC patients were sub-divided into survival group(n=38)and mortality group(n=92)based on their survival outcomes.ELISA was applied to detect the level of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 in each group and analyzed the correlation between serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels.Cox regression was applied to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognostic mortality of HCC patients;Receiver operating char-acteristic curve(ROC)was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of serum KLF5 and actinin-4 levels for the prognostic mortality of HCC patients.Results The serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 in the mortality group was significantly higher than those in the survival group(P<0.05);There was a positive correlation between serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 in HCC patients(P<0.001);Low differentiation,staging(CNLC)stage IIIa of China liver cancer staging(CNLC),vascular invasion and elevated level of KLF5 and actinin-4 were risk factors for prognostic mortality in HCC patients(P<0.05);The area under the curve(AUC)of serum KLF5 and acti-nin-4 alone and in combination for predicting mortality in HCC patients was 0.835,0.866,and 0.936,respec-tively,showing a high level of combined predicting function(Zcombination-KLF5=2.792,P=0.005,Zcombi-nation-actinin-4=2.014,P=0.044).Conclusions Serum level of KLF5 and actinin-4 l found in HCC patients has a high predictive value for prognosis.
10.Evaluation of life cycle management system on patients'prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Ruo-Yun LIU ; Ran LIU ; Mei-Fang DAI ; Yue-Miao JIAO ; Yang LI ; San-Shuai CHANG ; Ye XU ; Zhi-Nan LU ; Li ZHAO ; Cheng-Qian YIN ; Guang-Yuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(6):311-316
Objective With the widespread of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis(AS),the life-cycle management has become a major determinant of prognosis.Methods A total of 408 AS patients who underwent successfully TAVR from June 2021 to August 2023 were consecutively enrolled in Hospital Valve Intervention Center.Patients were assigned to the Usual Care(UC)group between June 2021 and October 2022,while patients were assigned to the Heart Multi-parameter Monitoring(HMM)group between November 2022 and August 2023.The primary endpoint was defined as composite endpoint within 6 months post-TAVR,including all-cause death,cardiovascular death,stroke/transient ischemic attack,conduction block,myocardial infarction,heart failure rehospitalization,and major bleeding events.Secondary endpoints were the time interval(in hours)from event occurrence to medical consultation or advice and patient satisfaction.Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.Results The incidence of primary endpoint in HMM group was significantly lower than that in UC group(8.9%vs.17.7%,P=0.016),the driving event was the rate of diagnosis and recognition of conduction block.The average time intervals from event occurrence to receiving medical advice were 3.02 h in HHM group vs.97.09 h in UC group(P<0.001).Using cardiac monitoring devices and smart healthcare platforms provided significant improving in patients long-term management(HR 0.439,95%CI 0.244-0.790,P=0.006).Conclusions The utilization of cardiac monitoring devices and smart healthcare platforms effectively alerted clinical events and improved postoperative quality of life during long-term management post TAVR.


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