The lung function of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as "pneumoconiosis") combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) declines rapidly. Inhaled pharmacotherapy is crucial in the treatment of patients with pneumoconiosis combined with COPD. At present, pressurized metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers are commonly used to deliver bronchodilators (including long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, or their fixed-dose combinations) in inhaled pharmacotherapy. Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) is a commonly used indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of inhalation therapy. Patients with good coordination of hand and mouth, and a high PIF (≥30 L/min) can be treated with pressurized metered-dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers, whereas patients with poor coordination or insufficient PIF (<30 L/min) should be treated with pressurized metered-dose inhalers combined with a spacer or with nebulizers. In addition, the effectiveness of inhalation therapy is affected by individual factors, such as treatment adherence and pulmonary function, as well as drug-related factors, including the use of inhaled corticosteroids and the selection of bronchodilators. Inhaled pharmacotherapy appears to have substantial potential in the treatment of pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD. Future efforts should focus on the development of more effective inhaled drugs with fewer adverse effects and more user-friendly inhalation devices, as well as on optimizing inhalation treatment regimens to enable precision therapy and improve therapeutic efficacy.

Objective To establish the judgment basis of ventilation pipe status by 0 daPa wideband acoustic immittance(WAI-0 daPa),and to assist doctors to determine the status of ventilation tube and determine the timing of extubation.Methods A total of 43 children with 62 ears aged 3-6 years old were tested by 0 daPa broadband acoustic reactance test.The normal middle ear function group were ten children with 20 ears.Children with secreto-ry otitis media more than 12 months after tympanic tube catheterization were divided into 11 cases 19 ears of clear ventilation tube group,and 23 ears in 22 cases of ventilation tube blockage group.A total of 107 frequencies of WAI-0 daPa were obtained.The Kruskal-Wallis H and Nemenyi were used to analyze the influence of ventilation tube status on WAI-0 daPa.Results The WAI-0 daPa at 226-667 Hz was significantly higher in the clear ventila-tion tubegroupthan in the normal middle ear group.The WAI-0 daPa at 226-500 Hz was significantly lower in the blocked ventilation tube group than in the clear ventilation tube group.The WAI-0 daPa at 2 000-3 364 Hz and 6 727 Hz in the normal middle ear function group were significantly higher than those in the blocked ventilation tube group.The WAI-0 daPa in low frequencies was less than 20％,the possibility of blackage of eardrum tube was greater.Conclusion The absorptivity in low frequency region of WAI-0 daPa can be used to determine the status of tympanic catheter ventilation tube and assist doctors to determine the timing of extubation.

Objective To investigate the effects of low background radiation environments in deep underground settings on the biological behavior of NP69 human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells(NP69 cells)and the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods A parallel control experimental design was adopted and NP69 cells were synchronously cultured in settings of three underground depths at the China in situ Deep-Underground Facility&Life Observatory(DeUFO)—ground level(DeUFO-0 m),1 000 m underground(DeUFO-1 000 m),and 1 500 m underground(DeUFO-1 500 m).Changes in cell proliferation and migration capabilities were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay and scratch assay,respectively.High-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs were performed using the Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)databases.Results CCK-8 assay revealed that,after 72 h of culture,the absorbance value of the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.35 times and 1.27 times those of the those of the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups,respectively(both P<0.000 1).After 96 h of culture,the absorbance value of the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.52 times and 1.41 times those of the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Colony formation assays revealed that the number of cell colonies in the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.59 times and 1.27 times those in the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.001).The scratch assay revealed that the 36-hour wound healing rate of the DeUFO-0 m group was 2.22 times and 4.00 times those of the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Transwell assays revealed that the number of migrating cells in the DeUFO-0 m group was 2.08 times and 2.56 times those in the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed consistent upregulation of CELF2,CELF4,CGB8,GRHL2,and DMRTA2 genes in the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups.Pathway enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling-associated pathways and gene expression regulation pathways in the experimental groups(false discovery rate[FDR]<0.05).Conclusion The low background radiation environment in deep underground settings suppresses the proliferation and migration activities of NP69 cells by mediating ECM remodeling and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through the regulation of target genes such as the CELF family.This study provides experimental evidence for establishing a dose-response relationship between environmental radiation and cellular effects.

This study was a single-center cross-sectional investigation aimed at identifying risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), with the goal of providing a basis for improving patient prognosis. Patients receiving MHD in the Blood Purification Center of Hainan Provincial People's Hospital from June 1 to June 30, 2023, were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and potential risk factors for cognitive impairment were analyzed by using Logistic regression. A total of 278 patients were included, 69 patients (24.8%) of whom had cognitive impairment. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the history of cerebrovascular disease ( OR=3.109, 95% CI 1.310-7.378, P=0.010), old age ( OR=1.077, 95% CI 1.040-1.115, P<0.001), low dialysis frequency ( OR=0.270, 95% CI 0.120-0.606, P=0.001), low academic qualification (using college/university as the control group: primary school group OR=26.960, 95% CI 7.519-96.673, P<0.001; Junior high school/technical secondary school group OR=4.264, 95% CI 1.330-13.650, P=0.015; High school group OR=9.554, 95% CI 2.861-31.904, P<0.001), high β2-microglobulin ( OR=1.609, 95% CI 1.044-2.480, P=0.031) and high C-reactive protein/albumin ( OR=2.672, 95% CI 1.226-5.826, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in MHD patients.

Objective To establish the judgment basis of ventilation pipe status by 0 daPa wideband acoustic immittance(WAI-0 daPa),and to assist doctors to determine the status of ventilation tube and determine the timing of extubation.Methods A total of 43 children with 62 ears aged 3-6 years old were tested by 0 daPa broadband acoustic reactance test.The normal middle ear function group were ten children with 20 ears.Children with secreto-ry otitis media more than 12 months after tympanic tube catheterization were divided into 11 cases 19 ears of clear ventilation tube group,and 23 ears in 22 cases of ventilation tube blockage group.A total of 107 frequencies of WAI-0 daPa were obtained.The Kruskal-Wallis H and Nemenyi were used to analyze the influence of ventilation tube status on WAI-0 daPa.Results The WAI-0 daPa at 226-667 Hz was significantly higher in the clear ventila-tion tubegroupthan in the normal middle ear group.The WAI-0 daPa at 226-500 Hz was significantly lower in the blocked ventilation tube group than in the clear ventilation tube group.The WAI-0 daPa at 2 000-3 364 Hz and 6 727 Hz in the normal middle ear function group were significantly higher than those in the blocked ventilation tube group.The WAI-0 daPa in low frequencies was less than 20％,the possibility of blackage of eardrum tube was greater.Conclusion The absorptivity in low frequency region of WAI-0 daPa can be used to determine the status of tympanic catheter ventilation tube and assist doctors to determine the timing of extubation.

This study was a single-center cross-sectional investigation aimed at identifying risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), with the goal of providing a basis for improving patient prognosis. Patients receiving MHD in the Blood Purification Center of Hainan Provincial People's Hospital from June 1 to June 30, 2023, were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and potential risk factors for cognitive impairment were analyzed by using Logistic regression. A total of 278 patients were included, 69 patients (24.8%) of whom had cognitive impairment. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the history of cerebrovascular disease ( OR=3.109, 95% CI 1.310-7.378, P=0.010), old age ( OR=1.077, 95% CI 1.040-1.115, P<0.001), low dialysis frequency ( OR=0.270, 95% CI 0.120-0.606, P=0.001), low academic qualification (using college/university as the control group: primary school group OR=26.960, 95% CI 7.519-96.673, P<0.001; Junior high school/technical secondary school group OR=4.264, 95% CI 1.330-13.650, P=0.015; High school group OR=9.554, 95% CI 2.861-31.904, P<0.001), high β2-microglobulin ( OR=1.609, 95% CI 1.044-2.480, P=0.031) and high C-reactive protein/albumin ( OR=2.672, 95% CI 1.226-5.826, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in MHD patients.

Polysaccharides, predominantly extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Lycium barbarum, Angelica sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Dendrobium officinale, Ganoderma lucidum, and Poria cocos, represent principal bioactive constituents extensively utilized in Chinese medicine. These compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory capabilities, especially anti-liver injury activities, while exhibiting minimal adverse effects. This review summarized recent studies to elucidate the hepatoprotective efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms of these herbal polysaccharides. It underscored the role of these polysaccharides in regulating hepatic function, enhancing immunological responses, and improving antioxidant capacities, thus contributing to the attenuation of hepatocyte apoptosis and liver protection. Analyses of molecular pathways in these studies revealed the intricate and indispensable functions of traditional Chinese herbal polysaccharides in liver injury management. Therefore, this review provides a thorough examination of the hepatoprotective attributes and molecular mechanisms of these medicinal polysaccharides, thereby offering valuable insights for the advancement of polysaccharide-based therapeutic research and their potential clinical applications in liver disease treatment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Antioxidants ; Polysaccharides/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective:This study aimed to compare the audiological characteristics between children with unilateral auditory neuropathy (UAN) and single-sided deafness (SSD) to establish a valid basis for the differential diagnosis of children with UAN.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on audiological and imaging evaluations of children with UAN and SSD who were treated at Beijing Children′s Hospital of Capital Medical University between May 2015 and June 2023. There were 17 children with UAN, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with an average age of 4.7 years. Additionally, there were 43 children with SSD, consisting of 27 males and 16 females, with an average age of 6.5 years. Audiological assessments included Auditory brainstem response (ABR), Steady-state auditory evoked potential (ASSR), Behavioural audiometry, Cochlear microphonic potential (CM), Distortino-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and acoustic immittance test. The results of the audiological assessment and imaging phenotypic between the two groups of children were compared and analyzed by applying SPSS 27.0 statistical software.Results:(1) The UAN group (77.8%) had a significantly higher rate of ABR wave III L than the SSD group (20.9%) ( P<0.01). The PA thresholds at 500 Hz and 1 000 Hz of children with SSD were higher than those of children with UAN, while the ASSR thresholds at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, and 4 000 Hz of children with SSD were significantly higher than those of children with UAN ( P<0.05). (2) The degree of hearing loss in both UAN and SSD children was predominantly complete hearing loss. The percentage of complete hearing loss was significantly higher (χ2=4.353, P=0.037) in the SSD group (93.0%, 40/43) than in the UAN group (63.6%, 7/11). However, the percentage of profound hearing loss was significantly higher in the UAN group (27.3%, 3/11) than in the SSD group (2.3%, 1/43) ( Fisher′s exact test, P=0.023). In terms of hearing curve configuration, the percentage of flat type was significantly higher in the SSD group (76.7%, 33/43) than in the UAN group (36.4%, 4/11). The proportion of the UAN group (27.3%, 3/11) was significantly higher than that in the SSD group (2.3%, 1/43) in ascending type ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the hearing curves of the declining type and other types between the two groups ( P>0.05). (3) The proportion of imaging assessment without abnormality was significantly more common in the UAN group (81.8%) than in the SSD group (37.1%) (χ2=6.695, P=0.015). Conclusions:Compared to children with SSD, the occurrence of wave III L on the ABR test was significantly more common in children with UAN. The percentage of ascending hearing curves was significantly higher in children with UAN than in children with SSD. ASSR thresholds were significantly lower in children with UAN. The normal imaging phenotype was significantly more common in children with UAN than in children with SSD.

Objective To investigate the effect of auditory brainstem response(ABR)in clinical detection and severity assessment of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in children with normal hearing.Methods ① A total of 55 autistic children(110 ears)with normal hearing and 55 children(110 ears)with typical development(TD)who did not differ in sex composition ratio and average monthly age were divided into four sub-groups according to age:≤24 months group(22 ears),25～36 months group(40 ears),37～48 months group(28 ears)and＞48 months group(20 ears).The ABR latencies and interpeak latencies were compared between ASD children and age-matched TD children.② ASD children were graded by severity according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis-orders(DSM-V),and the correlations between the ABR latencies and interpeak latencies in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading were studied.Results ① No statistically significant differences in ABR wave latencies and interpeak latencies were found in autistic children with normal hearing under 24 months of age compared to age-matched TD children(P＞0.05).② Compared with children with TD,autistic children with nor-mal hearing at 25～36 months of age had significantly longer wave Ⅲ latencies and the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ andⅠ-Ⅴ;the significantly longer wave Ⅲ,Ⅴ latencies,the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ in autistic chil-dren with normal hearing at 37～48 months of age.Autistic children with normal hearing in the＞48 months group had significantly longer wave Ⅴ latencies and interpeak latencies of Ⅲ-Ⅴ,Ⅰ-Ⅴ than age-matched TD children(P＜0.05).③ The higher the ASD severity grading the longer the wave Ⅲ and V latencies and the longer interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ,and Ⅰ-Ⅴ(P＜0.05).Conclusion Differences in the level of auditory brainstem pathway de-velopment emerged at 25 months of age,and autistic children with normal hearing had significantly lower levels of auditory brainstem development than age-matched TD children.There were correlations between the latencies and interpeak latencies of ABR in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading.