Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid prevents cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid has protective effects against ischemia and attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, rats were given scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid intragastrically at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day for 7 days before focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury models were established using the suture method. We then determined the protective effects of scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavon- oid pretreatment on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results showed that neurological deficit scores increased, infarct volumes enlarged, apoptosis increased and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression were upregulated at 24 hours after reperfusion. Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at any dose lowered the neurological deficit scores, reduced the infarct volume, prevented apoptosis in hippocampal cells, attenuated neuronal and blood-brain barrier damage and upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression but inhibited Bax protein expression. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg were the most efficacious. Our findings indicate that pretreatment with scutel- laria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 100 and 200 mg/kg can improve the neurological func- tions and have preventive and protective roles after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Pretreatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in hippocampal neurons

Previous experimental studies have shown that cerebral infarction can be effectively reduced following treatment with scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid （SSTF）. However, the mechanism of action of SSTF as a preventive drug to treat cerebral infarction remains unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 50, 100, 200 mg/kg SSTF via intragastric ad- ministration for 1 week prior to the establishment of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results showed that pretreatment with SSTF effectively improved neurological function, reduced brain water content and the permeability of blood vessels, ameliorated ischemia-induced morphology changes in hippocampal microvessels, down-regulated Fas and FasL protein expression, elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased malondialdehyde content. In contrast to low-dose SSTF pretreatment, the above changes were most obvious after pretreatment with moderateand high-doses of SSTF. Experimental findings indicate that SSTF pretreatment can exert protective effects on the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The underlying mechanisms may involve reducing brain water content, increasing microvascular recanalization, inhibiting the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, and attenuating free radical damage.

Adverse childhood experiences from family and society contribute to increased risk of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment:a cross-sectional study

Background Family environments can shape children’s personalities and social networks,rendering distinguishing adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)from family and society essential,but related evidence remains limited.Aims This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlations between intrafamilial and social ACEs,their associations with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment and the(education-moderated)mediating role of social ACEs.Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.Nine intrafamilial(0,1,2,3,and 4 or more)and three social(0,1,and 2 or more)ACEs were identified.Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.Global cognition,including episodic memory and mental intactness,was calculated as z scores.Binary and ordered logistic regressions,generalised linear models with Gaussian family and identity link,and mediation analysis were used.Results 13435 participants aged 59.0(51.0–66.0)were included.Compared with participants with no intrafamilial ACEs,those with 1,2,3,and 4 or more intrafamilial ACEs tended to develop more social ACEs,with odds ratios(ORs)of 1.55(95%confidence interval(CI):1.36 to 1.76),2.36(95%CI:2.08 to 2.68),3.46(95%CI:3.02 to 3.96)and 6.10(95%CI:5.30 to 7.02),respectively.Both intrafamilial and social ACEs were associated with depressive symptoms(OR>3 for four or more intrafamilial ACEs and two or more social ACEs)and global cognition(β=−0.26 for four or more intrafamilial ACEs andβ=−0.29 for two or more social ACEs).Social ACEs mediated the associations of intrafamilial ACEs with depressive symptoms and global cognition by 12.3%and 13.1%,respectively.Furthermore,as education levels increased,the impact of intrafamilial ACEs on depressive symptoms was increasingly mediated through social ACEs,while the mediating role of social ACEs between intrafamilial ACEs and cognitive impairment gradually diminished.Conclusions Improving children’s social environments and elevating general education can prevent later-life depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment attributed to ACEs in China.

Polymorphisms of the maternal Slug gene in fetal neural tube defects in a Chinese population

Several studies have demonstrated that Slug,which encodes a zinc finger of the Snail family of transcription factors,is a potential risk factor for neural tube defects.Neural tube defects tend to occur with a high rate in Shanxi province,China.The present case-control study investigated genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of Slug C1548A polymorphisms in DNA samples from59 women with a history of neural tube defect pregnancies and 73 controls during the same period from Shanxi Province,China.Results demonstrated that women with a history of neural tube defect pregnancies had significantly greater genotypic distributions of Slug AA genotypes and A allele frequencies compared with controls,and A allele Slug C1548A was a risk factor for neural tube defects（odds ratio = 3.444;95% confidence interval;2.021-5.868,P 〈 0.05）.Three-dimensional structure prediction revealed that Slug C1548A resulted in transition of aspartic acid into glutamate at position 119.This indicated that these mutations could lead to damaged protein structure and function.These findings suggest that Slug C1548A gene polymorphism is closely related to neural tube defects in a population of Han Chinese origin from Shanxi Province,China

Effect modifications of BMI transition and trajectory in the associations of adverse childhood experiences with new-onset dementia and its subtypes in older US adults

Background Adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)and dementia are associated and comorbid with obesity.However,according to emerging research,the role of obesity in the association between ACEs and dementia seems controversial.Aims This analysis aimed to explore the associations between ACEs and different dementia subtypes and the effect modification of long-term body mass index(BMI).Methods Data were obtained from the US Health and Retirement Study.Six ACEs were categorised as 0,1 and 2 or more.All-cause dementia,Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and other dementias were defined by self-reported or proxy-reported physician diagnosis.Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the associations of ACEs with new-onset all-cause dementia,AD and other dementias from 2010 to 2020.Effect modification of BMI in 2010 and BMI transition and trajectory(fitted by group-based trajectory modelling)from 2004 to 2010 were assessed.Results 15282 participants with a mean age of 67.0 years(58.0–75.0)were included in the 2010 data analysis.Significant interactions of ACEs with baseline BMI,BMI transition and BMI trajectory in their associations with new-onset all-cause dementia and AD were observed(all p<0.05).For instance,positive associations of two or more ACEs(vs none)with all-cause dementia and AD were found in those with a BMI trajectory of maintaining≥30 kg/m2(maintain obesity)rather than a decline to or maintaining<25 kg/m2(decline to or maintain normal weight),with hazard ratios(HRs)of 1.87(95%confidence interval(CI):1.45 to 2.42)and 1.85(95%CI:1.22 to 2.80),respectively.Conclusions ACEs were associated with dementia and AD in US adults with long-term abnormally elevated BMI but not with long-term normal or decreasing BMI.Integrated weight management throughout life could prevent dementia among those with childhood adversity.

中国女性的“幸福悖论”——时间分配视角下家庭工作平衡对女性幸福感的影响研究

当代中国女性不仅承担着照顾家庭的责任,也在追求个人事业的发展。家庭工作两不误成为当代女性的理想典范,也是许多中国女性渴望实现的目标。然而,兼顾家庭和工作究竟给女性带来了双重收获,还是双重负担?本文基于时间分配视角,结合一项情境实验和两项全国性的二手数据,揭示了中国女性所面临的“幸福悖论”:在社会认知上,人们普遍相信家庭工作平衡理应促进女性幸福感,女性自身也持此认知;但从女性的实际体验来看,女性在时间分配决策上采取平衡策略反而会降低其幸福感。本文研究发现为更好地理解当代中国女性所面临的困局,以及尝试为解决上述困局、提高女性幸福感提供了有益参考。

胎儿期恰逢1959～1961年饥荒的中国成人精神分裂症的发病率

背景：精神分裂症是一种常见的中度精神障碍。子宫内营养缺乏可增大患精神分裂症的危险。其主要依据来自1944～1945年荷兰饥饿冬天（Dutch Hunger Winter）研究，当时食品摄入在短期内极剧下降。这项有关饥荒期间受孕人群的大型队列研究显示，发生精神分裂症的危险增大两倍。 目的：确定经受1959～1961年大饥荒的中国人是否有相似的结果。 设计、地点及参试者：发生精神分裂症危险的调查于安徽省芜湖地区进行，这是当初受灾最重的地区之一。对饥荒之前、饥荒期间和饥荒以后出生的人群发病率进行比较。芜湖及其周围6个县是由一所精神病院负责的。对1971～2001年所有的精神病病历记录均进行检查。精神分裂症患者的临床和社会人口学资料由对自然灾害暴露情况不知情的研究者摘录。有关饥荒年出生人数和死亡人数的数据是有效可用的，累积死亡率根据以后的人口学调查进行估计。 主要观测指标：饥荒的证据已经核实，计算未校正的以及对死亡率进行校正后的发生精神分裂症的相对危险度。 结果：安徽省的出生率（每1000人）在饥荒期问降低了约80％，从1958年的28．28降至1959年的20．97、1960年的8．61和1961年的11．06。在饥荒期间出生的人，晚年发生精神分裂症的校正后危险明显增高，从1959年的0．84％增至1960年的2．15％和1961年的1．81％。死亡率校正相对危险在1960年出生者为2．30（95％可信区间，1．99～2．05），1961年出生者为1．93（95％可信区间，1．68～2．23）。 结论：我们的调查重复了荷兰不同种族人群的数据，结果显示，出生前遭受饥荒可增高晚年患精神分裂症的危险。

Brain stem global gene expression profiles in human spina bifida embryos

Environmental and genetic factors influence the occurrence of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Specific disease expression patterns will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of disease. However, results obtained from animal models, which often exhibit organism specificity, do not fully explain the mechanisms of human spina bifida onset. In the present study, three embryos with a gestational age of approximately 17 weeks and a confirmed diagnosis of spina bifida, as well as 3 age-matched normal embryos, were obtained from abortions. Fetal brain stem tissues were dissected for RNA isolation, and microarray analyses were conducted to examine profiles of gene expression in brain stems of spina bifida and normal embryos using Affymetrix HG-U133A 2.0 GeneChip arrays. Of the 14 500 gene transcripts examined, a total of 182 genes exhibited at least 2.5-fold change in expression, including 140 upregulated and 42 downregulated genes. These genes were placed into 19 main functional categories according to the Gene Ontology Consortium database for biological functions. Of the 182 altered genes, approximately 50% were involved in cellular apoptosis, growth, adhesion, cell cycle, stress, DNA replication and repair, signal transduction, nervous system development, oxidoreduction, immune responses, and regulation of gene transcription. Gene expression in multiple biological pathways was altered in the brain stem of human spina bifida embryos.

Trends and Distribution of Life Expectancy and Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy—Asia-Pacific Region,1990-2021

What is already known about this topic?The Asia-Pacific region is the most populous and diverse globally,encompassing nations with both the longest and shortest life expectancies(LE).However,less is known about the health-adjusted life expectancy(HALE)situation in this region.What is added by this report?This study found diversity in the levels and trends of HALE among countries in the Asia-Pacific region,with HALE in 2021 ranging from 49.87 years in Afghanistan to 74.96 years in Singapore.The largest HALE increase from 1990 to 2021 was observed in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the smallest in Fiji.HALE continually increased as SDI increased,but different patterns of HALE across countries varied by SDI level.What are the implications for public health practice?The diversity among these countries provides a prerequisite and scientific basis for promoting the achievement of health goals in the Asia-Pacific region through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

A Multi-State Model Study of the Disability-Free Life Expectancy Among Older Adults with Chronic Multimorbidity Based on CHARLS—China,2011–2020

What is already known about this topic?Chronic disease multimorbidity is prevalent among older Chinese people,seriously affecting their wellbeing and quality of life.What is added by this report?This study estimated the impact of multimorbidity on the risk of health state transitions and health expectancy among older adults in China.It used population-representative,long-term longitudinal data and multi-state Markov modeling along with microsimulation methods.What are the implications for public health practice?The study results suggest that the Chinese government should strengthen the prevention and management of multimorbidity and accelerate the transition from chronic disease management to multimorbidity management.

Factors associated with self-rated mental health in mothers of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

The rising demand for child care is putting a strain on parents of children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),particularly the mothers.This study investigated Chinese mothers of children with ASD and examined the factors associated with maternal mental health.An online national survey was completed by the parents of 5077 ASD children and adolescents aged 0–17 years.A total of 28.0%of the mothers reported poor mental health status.Mothers with children aged 10–13 years had a lower chance of having poor mental health status than mothers with children aged 0–2 years(odds ratio(OR)0.63,95%confidence interval(CI)0.43–0.91).Mothers of children with high-functioning autism were less likely to have poor mental health status than those of children with low-functioning autism(OR 0.76,95%CI 0.62–0.94).Having children with comorbidities was related with a higher risk of poor mental status(OR 1.56,95%CI 1.35–1.81),as were having conflicts with other family members(OR 1.44,95%CI 1.22–1.70)and providing full-time care(OR 1.22,CI 1.06–1.41).A higher-than-average family income was associated with lower risk of having poor mental health status(OR 0.70,95%CI 0.58–0.82).Factors related to the children and family,and providing full-time care,have a significant effect on mothers’mental health status.Reducing obstacles to work and social interaction,as well as tackling the financial burden of raising an ASD child,may help improve the well-being of mothers.

Foundations and implications of Human Aging Omics:A framework for identifying cumulative health risks from embryo to senescence

We are witnessing a global demographic shift towards an aging society,driven by significant improvements in life expectancy.Over the past two decades,the average life expectancy has increased by more than 6 years from 66.8 years in 2000 to73.3 years in 2019,and is projected to reach 74.6 years by 2030[1].

Differential Impact of Fertility on Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy of Older Adults Across Countries of Various Levels of Socio-Demographic Index—Worldwide,1995-2019

What is already known about this topic?Health-adjusted life expectancy(HALE)is a crucial indicator of global health,which is strongly correlated with the socio-demographic index(SDI)and population dynamics.What is added by this report?This study revealed that the correlation between total fertility rate(TFR)and HALE of older adults varies across countries with different SDI levels,offering valuable insights for the development of more targeted health promotion programs and interventions.What are the implications for public health practice?Different health interventions should be tailored to countries with different levels of SDI.In countries with both low fertility rates and low SDI,advanced measures are needed to address the challenge of an aging population that may live longer but face poorer health in the future.

Investment in Population Development—Exploring Solutions for the Dual Pressures of Low Fertility and Population Aging

In 2024,the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development(ICPD)in Cairo.The ICPD Programme of Action,established at the conference,prioritized individual well-being in development and committed to enhancing health,rights,and choices for all.As we mark this milestone,accelerating efforts and investments is imperative to fulfill these promises and translate them into tangible outcomes(1).

Trends and Distribution of Infertility—Asia Pacific Region,1990–2021

What is already known about this topic?Infertility represents a significant global public health concern,impacting approximately 15%of couples of reproductive age worldwide.Despite this,data on infertility prevalence in the demographically diverse Asia-Pacific region remains sparse.What is added by this report?This study examines the trends and distribution of infertility in the Asia-Pacific region from 1990 to 2021,revealing a significant increase in female infertility.The growth rate of secondary infertility has exceeded that of primary infertility.Additionally,an increase in the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)may be a significant contributor.The research also highlights geographical variations in the prevalence and trends of infertility across different countries.What are the implications for public health practice?The findings emphasize the significance of sexual and reproductive health services and rights in safeguarding fertility.

基于标准汤剂的鹅不食草HPLC特征图谱相关性研究

目的建立基于标准汤剂的鹅不食草HPLC特征图谱检测方法, 对其药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒的相关性进行评价, 为鹅不食草配方颗粒质量标准的制定提供依据。方法采用HPLC法建立鹅不食草药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒特征图谱, 采用中药指纹图谱相似度评价系统进行评价, 确定共有峰, 并通过聚类分析、主成分分析和正交偏最小二乘判别分析(OPLS-DA)确定药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒的相关性, 筛选影响差异的标志性成分。结果鹅不食草药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒特征图谱与各自的对照图谱相似度较高;药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒中均呈现14个特征峰, 指认出11个特征峰;聚类分析和主成分分析结果一致, 标准汤剂与中间体、配方颗粒更为接近;OPLS-DA筛选得到6个VIP值大于1的差异性成分。结论该方法稳定、准确, 专属性强, 通过对药材、饮片、标准汤剂、中间体、配方颗粒特征图谱相关性的研究, 可为鹅不食草配方颗粒质量标准研究提供依据。

Standardized Operational Protocol for Human Brain Banking in China

With the progress of society, there is an increasing need to tackle disorders of the central nervous system. Human brain tissue, unlike animal tissues, is an irreplaceable resource for the study of neurological diseases (1)Aimed at scientific research and education, the roles of human brain tissue repositories are to acquire brain tissue from donors, prepare, process, and preserve collected samples,provide tissue to specific eligible facilities, and determine the characteristics of each tissue sample.

Trends and Challenges for Population and Health During Population Aging——China,2015-2050

Summary What is already known about this topic?As the largest country in the world,China experienced a demographic transition at a historic scale during the past 50 years with extraordinarily associated changes in the age structure of the population,declining fertility rates,accelerating process of population aging,and growing population scale.

Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage — China, 2018–2019

What is already known about this topic?The World Health Organization set a 2030 target of 70%cervical cancer screening coverage for women aged 35–45 years.Coverage stood at 37%in China in 2015.What is added by this report?In 2018–2019,China’s cervical cancer screening coverage reached 43.4%in women aged 35–44 years and 36.8%in women aged 35–64 years.Screening coverage was still lower in rural areas as well as central and western regions;large variations existed across provincial-level administrative divisions.What are the implications for public health practice?National and local policy and financial support should be maintained for cervical cancer screening,along with more targeted health education and outreach efforts and strengthened accessibility of health services in the rural areas and central and western regions.

Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Among Chinese Women—China,2015

What is already known about this topic?Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer of women around the world.Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer were 11.78 and 3.29 per 100,000,respectively,in China in 2015.What is added by this report?Cervical cancer screening rates were 25.7%for women aged 20–64 years old and 31.4%for women aged 35–64 years old in China in 2015.Screening rates were lower in rural areas than in urban areas and varied across provinces.What are the implications for public health practice?Efforts should be made to continue to strengthen national and local policy initiatives,financial support,health education,and accessibility to women in rural areas for cervical cancer screening coverage.