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  • Xue ZHAO, Teng-fei GUO, Jia-xin LIU, Huai-yang XU, Yuan-yuan FENG, Wen-long ZHANG, Na GE, Yan BAO, Long GAO
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2074-2079.
    Objective

    To investigate the protective effect of ursula acid (UA) supplementation on alcoholic liver injury and to clarify the role of gut microbiota through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms.

    Methods

    Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, an alcohol model group, and a UA intervention group, with six mice in each group. During the 8-week modeling period, fecal samples from each group were collected daily for the last two weeks to prepare fecal microbiota solutions. After the recipient mice underwent gut-derived bacterial clearance, they were randomly assigned to FMT-control, FMT-model, and FMT-UA groups. Starting from the seventh week, each group received daily gavage of 200 μl of the corresponding fecal microbiota solution for two weeks.Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in liver tissues of the mice, and colorimetric assays were performed to measure serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bile acid (TBA). The changes in gut microbiota of donor mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and Western blotting (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of Foresaid X receptor (FXR) protein in the liver of recipient mice.Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0, with a significance level (α) set at 0.05.

    Results

    Compared to the alcohol model group, UA intervention improved liver injury in mice with alcoholic liver damage, evidenced by a 39.3% reduction in serum ALT activity (P < 0.05) and a 16.7% reduction in AST activity (P < 0.05), while also restoring the diversity of gut microbiota. The liver pathology of recipient mice exhibited changes similar to those of donor mice. Analysis of ALT, AST, and TBA levels in recipient mice revealed that, compared to the FMT-control group, the serum ALT, AST, and TBA levels in the FMT-model group increased by 124%, 47.4%, and 97.5%, respectively (P < 0.05); the FMT-UA group showed significant reductions in ALT, AST, and TBA levels compared to the FMT-model group (P < 0.05). WB results indicated that FXR protein expression in the liver tissue of the FMT-model group was only 17.8% of that in the FMT-control group (P < 0.05); compared to the FMT-model group, the FXR protein expression in the liver of the FXR-UA group increased by 2.09 times (P < 0.05).

    Conclusion

    UA exhibits a protective effect against alcoholic liver injury in mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of gut microbiota and the modulation of liver FXR protein expression, thereby maintaining bile acid homeostasis.

  • Xian-wei ZHOU, Xin-ying ZHANG, Yuan-yuan MA, Yi-yi CHEN, Tao XU, Tian-cheng ZHANG, Yang LIU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 1980-1985.
    Objective

    To investigate the heterogeneous development trajectories of early depression symptoms in adolescents and their influencing factors.

    Methods

    A cluster sampling method was employed to conduct four follow-up surveys from March 2023 to September 2024, targeting 1 118 seventh-grade students from junior high schools in the Hunan-Hubei-Chongqing-Guizhou border area. Each survey was spaced six months apart, utilizing the Depression Symptoms Scale, Family Support Scale,Peer Relationship Scale, and School Connection Scale. Group-based Trajectory Modeling (GBTM) was used to explore the heterogeneous development trajectories of early depression symptoms in adolescents, while multi-class logistic stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify the relevant factors associated with different latent developmental trajectories.

    Results

    Four subtypes were identified: “G1: Low Risk-Deterioration Group” (8.27%), “G2: High Risk-Persistent Group”(3.73%), “G3: Low Risk-Stable Group” (78.24%), and “G4: High Risk-Relief Group” (9.76%). Using the G3 group as a reference, the protective factors for the G1 group included being male (OR=0.417, 95%CI: 0.297-0.585), family support (OR=0.870, 95%CI: 0.641-0.923), peer relationships (OR=0.829, 95%CI: 0.740-0.998), and school connection (OR=0.865, 95%CI:0.725-0.906); risk factors included boarding (OR=1.310, 95%CI: 1.154-2.010), being left-behind (OR=2.196, 95%CI: 1.376-3.503), single-parent families (OR=2.247, 95%CI: 1.456-3.468), and low Family Economic Status (FSES) (OR=1.548, 95%CI:1.371-2.451). For the G2 group, protective factors included being male (OR=0.318, 95%CI: 0.263-0.521), family support (OR=0.856, 95%CI: 0.817-0.991), and peer relationships (OR=0.849, 95%CI: 0.711-0.988); risk factors were boarding (OR=1.332,95%CI: 1.022-2.058), being left-behind (OR=1.422, 95%CI: 1.211-3.218), single-parent families (OR=2.953, 95%CI: 1.659-4.256), and low FSES (OR=2.469, 95%CI: 1.188-3.128). For the G4 group, being male (OR=1.350, 95%CI: 1.001-1.513) was identified as a risk factor, while family support (OR=0.892, 95%CI: 0.751-0.943) and school connection (OR=0.846, 95%CI:0.705-0.961) were protective factors.

    Conclusion

    There is significant group heterogeneity and individual variability in early depression symptoms among adolescents. It is crucial to focus on the “Low Risk-Deterioration Group” and “High Risk-Persistent Group” to enhance the breadth and depth of their interpersonal support networks.

  • Xiao-yong JIANG, Zhuo CHEN, Li ZHAO, Jun-min ZHOU, Zhu NING, Hong WANG
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 1986-1991.
    Objective

    To explore the reciprocal predictive relationship between adolescent peer relationships and depression and anxiety, providing a basis for the implementation of mental health education for adolescents.

    Methods

    A longitudinal survey was conducted using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) among 3 840 students in grades 1-8 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, over four waves spanning three years. The Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) was employed to investigate the bidirectional relationships between peer relationships and depression and anxiety.

    Results

    Among the participants, there were 1 877 boys, accounting for 48.9%. The age distribution was as follows: 1 100 individuals aged 6 to 8 years (28.7%), 1 768 individuals aged 9 to 11 years (46.1%), and 965 individuals aged 12 to 16 years (25.2%). In terms of grade distribution, there were 1 400 students in grades 1 to 3 (36.5%), 1 702 students in grades 4 to 6 (44.3%), and 738 students in grades 7 to 8 (19.2%). The results of the cross-lagged model indicated a significant negative correlation between peer relationships and depression and anxiety at the individual level (β=-0.71, P<0.001; β=-0.45, P<0.001). At the individual level, peer relationships at the previous time point significantly negatively predicted depression and anxiety at the subsequent time point, except for the fourth wave. Additionally, depression and anxiety at the previous time point significantly negatively predicted peer relationships at all follow-up time points.

    Conclusion

    This study reveals a complex bidirectional predictive relationship between adolescent peer relationships and depression and anxiety, offering theoretical insights and practical significance for adolescent mental health care and preventive interventions.

  • Si-si LI, Li LIU, Li-yan DU, Yuan-ge XIAO, Xin-ling WANG, Hong-na YOU, Ying-fang QI, Yan-shang ZHANG, Yan HUO
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 1997-2002.
    Objective

    To analyze the distribution characteristics of mothers with different parities in Hebei Province and their impact on pregnancy outcomes.

    Methods

    Data from 398 111 mothers who delivered in 22 hospitals across 10 cities in Hebei Province were analyzed. Based on previous delivery counts (excluding the current hospitalization), mothers were categorized into three groups:primipara (parity=0), multipara (parity=1), and grand multipara (parity≥2). The distribution characteristics of mothers by parity were analyzed, and the influence of different parities on pregnancy outcomes was assessed using multifactorial logistic regression.

    Results

    From 2014 to 2022, the average age of mothers in all three groups showed an upward trend, as did the proportion of grand multipara mothers. With the increase in hospital level, the proportion of primipara mothers rose, while the proportions of multipara and grand multipara mothers declined. The proportion of primipara mothers in provincial and municipal hospitals was higher than that in county and township hospitals, where the proportions of multipara and grand multipara mothers were lower. As parity increased, the incidence rates of anemia, placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, macrosomia, low Apgar scores, and perinatal mortality also increased. Conversely, the incidence rates of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, abnormal fetal position, soft birth canal lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, and low birth weight exhibited a “U” trend. Using primipara (parity=0) mothers as the reference group, the results of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis indicated that parity≥1 was a risk factor for anemia (OR=1.041, 95%CI: 1.024-1.058), gestational diabetes (OR=1.301, 95% CI: 1.237-1.375), placenta previa (OR=1.565, 95% CI: 1.359-1.802), soft birth canal lacerations (OR=1.394, 95% CI: 1.157-1.681), and macrosomia (OR=1.222, 95%CI: 1.189-1.257). In contrast, it was a protective factor against gestational hypertension (OR=0.677, 95% CI: 0.651-0.703),abnormal fetal position (OR=0.650, 95% CI: 0.617-0.684), cesarean delivery (OR=0.296, 95% CI: 0.290-0.301), and low birth weight (OR=0.872, 95% CI: 0.830-0.917). Parity≥2 was identified as a risk factor for preterm birth (OR=1.470, 95% CI: 1.372-1.575) and postpartum hemorrhage (OR=1.242, 95% CI: 1.086-1.420).

    Conclusion

    The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes varies with parity. Targeted prevention of gestational complications and comorbidities should be implemented during prenatal care for mothers of different parities to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and infant outcomes.

  • Su-juan SANG, Xiao-song YAN, Xue-wen MAO, Jin-jing ZHANG, Zha-xi PINGCUO, Ying ZHAO
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2090-2095.
    Objective

    To describe the trends in treatment and diagnosis delays for tuberculosis patients in Xizang from 2014 to 2023 and to explore the influencing factors, providing a scientific basis for tuberculosis prevention and control in Xizang.

    Methods

    Tuberculosis patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2023 in Xizang were selected from the “Tuberculosis Management Information System” sub-system of the “China Disease Prevention and Control Information System”. The factors influencing treatment and diagnosis delays were analyzed using univariate χ2 tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

    Results

    Among the 34 469 reported tuberculosis patients in Xizang from 2014 to 2023, the median (interquartile range) time from symptom onset to first consultation (treatment delay) was 24 (10, 46) days, with a treatment delay rate of 67.5%; the median (interquartile range) time from first consultation to diagnosis (diagnosis delay) was 0 (0, 1) days, with a diagnosis delay rate of 7.6%. The treatment delay rate showed a downward trend from 2014 to 2023 (trend χ2=1 798.083, P<0.001), while the diagnosis delay rate exhibited an upward trend (trend χ2=197.689, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that being aged ≤20 years, 21-40 years, having local residency, undergoing health examinations, lacking microbiological results, and the first consultation being in Lhasa, Linzhi, Naqu, or Ali regions were protective factors for treatment delay.Seeking treatment based on symptoms, referrals, being a farmer or herdsman, being a child or student, and the first consultation being in Shigatse or Changdu were risk factors for treatment delay. Recommendations based on symptoms and first consultation in Shigatse, Changdu, or Naqu were protective factors for diagnosis delay. Local residency and first consultation in Lhasa were risk factors for diagnosis delay.

    Conclusion

    There is a serious delay in treatment among tuberculosis patients in Xizang, while the level of diagnosis delay is relatively low. It is recommended to enhance tuberculosis awareness and education among key populations and improve the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of grassroots medical institutions to reduce delays in treatment and diagnosis for tuberculosis patients.

  • Xiao-mei ZENG, Ping CHEN, Xiao-yan QING, Yue SONG, Tai-guo LIU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2027-2033.
    Objective

    To analyze the composition, mortality, and corresponding trends of hospitalized patients with malignant tumors in Chengdu from 2016 to 2020, providing an effective reference for cancer prevention and control in Chengdu and its districts and counties.

    Methods

    Based on relevant information from the first hospitalization records of malignant tumor patients in 87 municipal and county-level hospitals in Chengdu from 2016 to 2020, this study analyzed the composition of hospitalized malignant tumor patients, the incidence by age group, mortality, and their trends across different regions of Chengdu.

    Results

    From 2016 to 2020, the total number of first-time hospitalized malignant tumor patients in Chengdu’s 87 hospitals was 287 901 (165 359 males and 122 542 females). The top five malignant tumor cases were lung cancer, rectal cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and colon cancer. Over the five years, the total number of hospitalized malignant tumor patients in the city showed an increasing trend, rising from 46 377 cases in 2016 to 65 488 cases in 2020, with a fixed-base growth rate of 41.2%.In 2020, compared to 2016, the number of hospitalized malignant tumor patients decreased in Xinjin District, Shuangliu District, Pengzhou city, and Dayi County, with decrease rates of 44.7%, 10.3%, 6.0%, and 1.9%, respectively; while in other districts and counties, the number of hospitalized malignant tumor patients increased, with the fastest growth observed in Pidu District, Wuhou District, Jinjiang District, Wenjiang District, and Jintang County, with fixed-base growth rates of 143.0%,119.6%, 111.0%, 56.3%, and 53.4%, respectively. The number of deaths among hospitalized malignant tumor patients was 21 381 (13 808 males and 7 573 females), with the mortality from various malignant tumors increasing annually, from 3 742 cases in 2016 to 4 504 cases in 2020, resulting in a fixed-base growth rate of 20.4%. The top five malignant tumors by mortality were lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastric cancer.

    Conclusion

    The burden of malignant tumors in Chengdu is increasing, with slight variations in the composition and mortality of malignant tumors across different districts and counties, indicating the need for localized cancer prevention and control policies.

  • Yan WANG, Shuai LIU, Jie-yuan ZHANG, Guang-quan RAN, Dan-ping LIU
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2068-2073.
    Objective

    To explore the relationship between multidimensional social deprivation and symptoms of anxiety and depression in the elderly.

    Methods

    In July 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 533 individuals aged 60 and above in a district of Chengdu. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between social deprivation and its dimensions with symptoms of anxiety and depression, while multiple binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between social deprivation and its dimensions with anxiety and depression symptoms.

    Results

    The detection rates of anxiety and depression symptoms among the study participants were 12.9% and 12.8%, respectively, with a co-occurrence rate of 7.7%. The total score of the social deprivation scale was (45.34±9.30). There were positive correlations between social deprivation and depression symptoms (r=0.544, P<0.001) as well as anxiety symptoms (r=0.391, P<0.001). Social deprivation and its dimensions were identified as risk factors for both anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, as well as their co-occurrence (P<0.001). Among elderly individuals with chronic diseases, social deprivation and its dimensions were associated with the co-occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms (P<0.001).

    Conclusion

    Multidimensional social deprivation is a risk factor for anxiety and depression symptoms in the elderly. Targeted interventions to reduce social deprivation are recommended to improve the mental health of older adults.

  • Ting SONG, Huan XU, Xue-wei TANG, Bing GUO, Xing ZHAO, Ju-ying ZHANG
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2101-2106.
    Objective

    To investigate the mediating effect of prefrontal cortex volume in the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), providing a basis for alleviating the burden and understanding the etiology of T2DM.

    Methods

    Utilizing data from the UK Biobank cohort, we analyzed the relationships among four air pollutants, eight prefrontal cortex volumes, and T2DM using multiple linear regression and logistic regression models. A multiple mediation analysis was conducted to estimate the overall mediating effect of the eight prefrontal cortex volumes.

    Results

    A total of 26 624 participants were included in the study, with a T2DM incidence rate of approximately 2.0%. There was an overall negative correlation between air pollutant concentrations and prefrontal cortex volume. Increased concentrations of air pollutants were associated with a higher risk of T2DM; specifically, for every 1 standard deviation increase in PM2.5 concentration, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.062 (1.003-1.159). Decreased volumes of the right medial prefrontal cortex, left superior frontal gyrus, bilateral orbital frontal cortex, and right frontal pole were associated with increased T2DM risk, with OR (95%CI) values of 0.869 (0.755-0.949), 0.808(0.745-0.925), 0.897 (0.815-0.988), 0.823 (0.738-0.917), and 0.881 (0.796-0.974), respectively. The volume of the prefrontal cortex mediated the association between the four air pollutants and T2DM risk.

    Conclusion

    The study indicates that increased air pollutant concentrations elevate the risk of T2DM, and prefrontal cortex volume may serve as a significant mediating factor in the relationship between air pollution and T2DM. Reducing exposure to air pollutants and targeted interventions addressing factors affecting brain vitality, such as sleep and exercise, may effectively prevent the occurrence and progression of T2DM.

  • Xi-yu WANG, Dai-jun SHEN, Xin-yan ZHOU, Fu-you REN, Xi ZHANG, Xian-jun MAO, Jian TANG, Yan-hua CHEN, Lu XIAO
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 2015-2020.
    Objective

    To understand the current status of health information avoidance behavior regarding AIDS prevention among rural middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 50 and above, and to analyze its influencing factors.

    Methods

    From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to select 751 middle-aged and elderly individuals from rural areas in five districts of Luzhou city for the study. A general information questionnaire, AIDS prevention health information avoidance scale, brief health literacy scale, self-neglect scale, and AIDS discrimination scale were utilized for data collection. Statistical analyses including t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted to analyze influencing factors.

    Results

    The average score for health information avoidance behavior regarding AIDS prevention among rural middle-aged and elderly individuals was (31.64±10.08). The influencing factors included education level (β=-0.066, 95%CI: -0.122 to -0.010), age (β=0.074,95%CI: 0.021-0.127), being widowed (β=-0.089, 95%CI: -0.154 to -0.024), employment status (β=0.061, 95%CI: 0.004-0.118),health literacy (β=-0.267, 95% CI: -0.337 to -0.197), self-neglect (β=0.267, 95%CI: 0.199-0.334), and AIDS discrimination (β=0.344, 95%CI: 0.279-0.408) (all P<0.05), collectively explaining 64.10% of the total variance.

    Conclusion

    The health information avoidance behavior regarding AIDS prevention among the rural middle-aged and elderly population is at a moderately high level. To reduce this behavior, it is essential to focus on individuals with lower health literacy, higher levels of self-neglect, greater discrimination against AIDS, older age, lower educational attainment, and those engaged in labor. Targeted measures should be implemented to improve this population’s willingness and ability to access and apply AIDS prevention health information

  • Ce QI, Wen JIANG, Xi-yin HU, Xin-yang ZHENG, Chu-yi XIAO, Yu-zhu WANG, Pei FENG, Hong-mei LI
    Modern Preventive Medicine. 2025, 52(11): 1992-1996.
    Objective

    To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) levels in early pregnancy and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

    Methods

    Following the principle of informed consent, data were collected from pregnant women who underwent prenatal care and delivery at ten hospitals and fifteen community health service centers in Kunshan,Jiangsu Province, from August 2019 to June 2021. This included demographic information, medical and family history, reproductive history, physical examinations, and laboratory test results. GDM was diagnosed based on the results of the oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis was employed to explore the dose-response relationship between Hb levels and the risk of GDM. Based on the RCS results, Hb levels were categorized into two groups: Hb ≤ 138.4 g/L and Hb > 138.4 g/L. Logistic regression was then used to analyze the relationship between early pregnancy Hb levels and the risk of GDM, calculating the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to assess the strength of the association.

    Results

    Totally 9 045 women with singleton pregnancy were included in this study, with an incidence of GDM of 14.72% (n=1 331). The RCS regression results indicated a linear relationship between early pregnancy Hb levels and the risk of GDM (overall trend test: P=0.013, non-linear test: P=0.396). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that women with Hb > 138.4 g/L had a higher risk of GDM compared to those with Hb ≤ 138.4 g/L, with an adjusted OR of 1.214 (95%CI: 1.021-1.445).

    Conclusion

    Elevated Hb level in early pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of GDM.