Background Diesel engines are widely used in transportation, agriculture, construction, industry, and other fields. Diesel exhaust, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, emits particles (DEP) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, posing significant health risks. DEP pollution is particularly severe in confined environments, necessitating effective control measures. Objective Under laboratory simulation conditions, to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the mass and number concentrations of DEP as it diffuses indoors and to reveal the effects of ventilation and additional airflow on indoor DEP pollution levels. Methods A diesel engine was placed in a laboratory (length 3.39 m × width 2.85 m × height 2.4 m) with its exhaust emitted from east to west. An air purifier was installed 1 m south of the engine. Eight measurement points (1 m horizontal distance from the exhaust outlet, height: 1 m/1.5 m) were setup to monitor DEP concentrations using portable laser particle sizers. The effects of engine power (4.05 kW vs. 5.15 kW), ventilation (maximum airflow: 600 m³·h⁻¹), additional airflow intensity (low and high), and direction (forward/reverse) on DEP pollution were analyzed. DEP levels of 5 diesel vehicle models were also compared. Results The mass and number concentrations of DEP indoors increased immediately after the diesel engine started. The peak mass concentration time at the eastern measurement point (−1, 0) m opposite to the exhaust direction (17.70 min) was significantly longer than that at the western (1, 0) m (16.20 min), southern (0, -1) m (14.45 min), and northern (0, 1) m (12.70 min) points (P<0.05), with no significant differences between the other points (western, southern, and northern) (P>0.05). The northern point (0, 1) m exhibited the highest DEP mass and number concentration peaks (174.62 μg·m⁻³, 1319.85 p·cm⁻³), significantly exceeding those at the southern (0, −1) m (129.89 μg·m⁻³, 1175.24 p·cm⁻³), eastern (−1, 0) m (140.12 μg·m⁻³, 1120.53 p·cm⁻³), and western (1, 0) m (147.60 μg·m⁻³, 818.62 p·cm⁻³) points (P<0.05), and no significant differences were observed among other points (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in peak DEP mass and number concentrations by measurement heights (P>0.05). Diesel engine power, ventilation, airflow intensity, and airflow direction had no significant effect on the time of peak DEP concentration (P>0.05). However, higher engine power (5.15 kW) produced greater DEP peaks [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] than the 4.05 kW engine power [(168.41±12.65) μg·m⁻³, (1284.45±71.30) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.05). The peak mass concentration [(342.04±35.03) μg·m⁻³] and number concentration [(1886.87±57.91) p·cm⁻³] of DEP in the non-ventilated group were significantly higher than those in the ventilated group [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.001). Forward airflow elevated DEP mass concentrations compared to reverse airflow (287.71 μg·m⁻³ vs. 243.74 μg·m⁻³, t=−2.592, P=0.009), but no effects on DEP number concentration (P>0.05). Significant differences in mass concentration were observed among selected 5 vehicle models (Z=38.109, P<0.001). Conclusion The operation of diesel engines will emit a large amount of particulate matter, causing pollution in enclosed spaces. Diesel engines with greater power have higher levels of DEP pollution emissions. Based on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, it is recommended to set the operation position in the reverse direction of exhaust emissions and close to air purifiers, while avoiding the use of additional air flow equipment.

Saponins associated with Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy across multiple diseases. However, certain high-yield saponins face limited clinical applications due to their reduced pharmacological efficacy. This study synthesized and evaluated 36 saponin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of ginsenosides Rg1/Rb1 and notoginsenoside R1 for anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. The research revealed that the ginsenosides Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 demonstrates superior adipogenesis inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicates that incorporating an amidyl-substituted 1,2,3-triazole into the saponin side chain via Click reaction enhances anti-adipogenesis activity. Additionally, several other derivatives exhibit general adipogenesis inhibition. Compound a17 demonstrated enhanced potency compared to the parent ginsenoside Rg1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that a17 exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro, accompanied by decreased expression of preadipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) adipogenesis regulators. These findings establish the ginsenoside Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 as a promising adipocyte differentiation inhibitor and potential therapeutic agent for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This research provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic approaches for various metabolic syndromes.
Adipogenesis/drug effects* ; Triazoles/chemical synthesis* ; Ginsenosides/chemical synthesis* ; Saponins/chemical synthesis* ; Animals ; Mice ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; PPAR gamma/genetics* ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes/metabolism* ; Panax notoginseng/chemistry* ; Drug Design ; Molecular Structure ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE To preliminarily assess the horizontal sound localization and its influencing factors in patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phase.METHODS The azimuth discrimination test and azimuth identification test were completed,with the speech sound(65 dB SPL)as the stimulus.The minimum audible angle(MAA)and root-mean-square error(RMSE)were obtained,and the RMSE of the affected side and the healthy side were calculated respectively.According to the WHO(2021)hearing loss classification criteria,the data were analyzed based on the pure-tone average(PTA)of the affected ear.And the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was recorded.RESULTS The performance of the unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the sound localization varied greatly.Some performed close to the normal level,while others completely lost the ability to localize sound.The RMSE of the moderate hearing loss group(≥35 dB HL)was significantly higher than that of the normal hearing group(P<0.01),the MAA of the moderate to severe hearing loss group(≥50 dB HL)showed statistically significant differencescompared with normal hearing group(P<0.001).The RMSE of the affected side of patients in the severe and above hearing loss group was significantly larger than that of the healthy side.Regression analysis showed that the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was the most significant factor affecting MAA(R2=0.572,P<0.001)and RMSE(R2=0.768,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The horizontal sound localization of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the acute phase varies greatly.When the PTA of the affected side reaches moderate hearing loss,the localization ability is significantly lower than that of normal-hearing individuals.The best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear is the key factor affecting the localization ability.

Objective:To evaluate auditory spatial discrimination capabilities in patients with mild to moderately severe symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to compare the impact of different psychophysical testing methods on Minimum Audible Angle (MAA) and test duration.Methods:A total of 105 symmetrical SNHL patients aged from 18 to 60 years old were enrolled from April to July 2023, including 56 males and 49 females. They were divided into three groups based on PTA: mild, moderate, and moderately severe hearing loss, with 35 individuals in each group. Additionally, a control group of 35 individuals with normal hearing was tested, including 18 males and 17 females. Participants underwent four distinct psychophysical discrimination tests: the block up-down, 1-up/1-down, 1-up/2-down, and 1-up/3-down procedures. We recorded the MAA and test duration for each. We employed repeated measures of ANOVA to compare the MAA and test duration across different methods and groups, and Pearson′s correlation to assess the relationship between MAA and degree of hearing loss.Results:MAA of sound localization in patients with symmetrical SNHL was significantly positively correlated with the degree of hearing loss ( r=0.59, P<0.01). Significant deterioration in MAA was observed as hearing loss progressed to the moderate level (PTA≥35 dBHL, P<0.01). The testing methods significantly influenced MAA and testing duration ( F=24.02, P<0.01; F=75.56, P<0.01) and the 1-up/1-down method was the quickest, averaging only (0.69±0.32) mins. Conclusions:The horizontal plane auditory spatial discrimination abilities in patients with symmetrical SNHL is impaired progressively with increasing hearing loss, notably beyond moderate hearing loss levels. Different psychophysical methods influence both MAA and test duration, the quicker 1-up/1-down method is recommended for assessing MAA in symmetrical SNHL patients.

OBJECTIVE To conduct rapid health technology assessment （HTA） of ulinastatin （UTI）， and to evaluate the efficacy， safety and cost-effectiveness of UTI in the treatment of acute pancreatitis （AP）. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed， Embase， the Cochrane Library， CNKI， Wanfang database， CBM and official websites of HTA institutions， the systematic review （SR）/meta-analysis， economic evaluation and HTA reports of UTI in the treatment of AP were collected from the inception to Apr. 2024. Two researchers independently conducted screening， quality evaluation and data extraction according to the admission and exclusion criteria， and descriptive analysis was adopted to analyze and summarize the data. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included， involving 15 SR/meta-analysis and 4 economic studies， and no HTA report was retrieved. In the treatment of AP， UTI showed clear advantages over conventional treatment alone in terms of improving the overall effective rate， shortening the recovery time of amylase， reducing the time required to relieve abdominal pain and distension， lowering the mortality rate， and decreasing the average hospital stay. Compared to other positive drugs （carbendate mesylate， octreotide， somatostatin， etc.）， its efficacy is similar， with a favorable safety profile. As far as the current research was concerned， UTI had obvious economic advantages over other positive drugs. CONCLUSIONS UTI is safe and effective in the treatment of AP， and has economic advantages.

Disturbances of gut microbiota may affect the balance of the host immune system.The metabolism of gut microbiota produces many bioactive molecules interacting with host,typically secondary bile acids(SBAs).SBAs are involved in regulating the energy metabolism and the expression of inflammatory response-related genes by bind-ing to membrane receptors and nuclear receptors,such as takeda G protein-coupled receptor(TGR5)and farnesol X receptor(FXR),which are essential for maintaining host immune homeostasis.

Sepsis cardiomyopathy (SIC) is sepsis complicated with heart dysfunction，and its definition，pathogenesis，diagnostic criteria and therapeutic measures have not been well established.The reported prevalence of SIC varied from 10% to 70% and the diagnosis based on the measures of heart function and biological markers.The most important indicator is reduced left heart ejection fraction.Currently，it is believed that SIC should avoid rapid high-dose liquid treatment on the basis of infection treatment.The use of inotropic drugs needs to consider the improvement of myocardial contractility and avoid inducing arrhythmia and adverse effects on vascular resistance.The appropriate timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is still be challenged.The review focusesd on the fluid management and progress，vasoactive drug therapy and mechanical assistance，and the development of novel targeted drugs in SIC.

The imbalance of microbiota is related to various diseases in the human body,and the gut,as the largest microbial habitat in the human body,is closely related to the oral microbial environment.The oral microbiota can migrate to the intestinal mucosa with the digestive system.At the same time,microbial transmission from the gut to the mouth can also occur through interpersonal and com-munity transmission.Microbial transmission between the mouth and intestines can shape or reshape the microbial ecosystem in the two habitats,ultimately regulating the pathogenesis of the disease.The dysbiosis of the oral-gut microbiota axis can have a significant impact on related diseases such as respiratory diseases.This article reviews the research status of the relationship between oral-gut microbes and respiratory diseases.

Objective:To investigate the expression of p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and chemosensitivity of patients.Methods:Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and 123 patients were included in the study (12 cases had cancer tissues and normal tissues data, and the remaining 111 only had cancer tissues data). Differential expression of PAK2 in cancer and para-cancer tissues was analyzed by using R software, and the potential function of PAK2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was investigated by using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database signaling pathway enrichment. A total of 34 patients with primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and corresponding para-carcinoma 34 tissue specimens who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively selected from Chaoyang Central Hospital between April 2016 and June 2021, and 20 cases of normal laryngeal mucosa tissues were selected as the controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of PAK2 in various tissues, and its correlation with clinicopathological factors was analyzed. A total of 35 supraglottic primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients were retrospectively collected before induction chemotherapy during the same period, including 20 patients sensitive to chemotherapy and 15 patients resistant to chemotherapy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expression level of PAK2 mRNA in cancer tissues.Results:Analysis of TCGA database data showed that PAK2 expression was increased in cancer tissues compared with that in para-cancer tissues ( P = 0.012); KEGG database signaling pathways showed that the high expression of PAK2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was related to signal transduction pathways, cell cycle, and cancer. Immunohistochemistry showed that the proportion of PAK2 positive in 34 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues and normal tissues [58.82% (20/34) vs. 0.03% (1/34), 0 (0/20), all P < 0.001]. There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of PAK2 positive patients stratified with different degrees of differentiation [high differentiation vs. low or middle differentiation: 33.33% (6/18)vs. 87.50% (14/16)], lymph node metastasis [presence vs. absence: 90.91% (10/11) vs. 43.48% (10/23)], TNM staging [stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ vs. stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ: 82.35% (14/17) vs. 35.29% (6/17)] (all P < 0.05), and PAK2 positive patients were not associated with clinical type, tumor size, smoking history, drinking history, and age (all P > 0.05). qRT-PCR showed that the relative expression level of PAK2 mRNA in the chemotherapy-resistant group was higher than that in the chemotherapy-sensitive group (3.89±0.12 vs. 0.78±0.23, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The expression level of PAK2 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues is increased, and the high expression of PAK2 is closely related to the malignant clinical characteristics of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The high expression of PAK2 may indicate the insensitivity to traditional chemotherapy regimens, and PAK2 may be a potential gene that targets and regulates the chemosensitivity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of modified Xianfang huoming decoction in the treatment of sepsis- induced liver injury from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolites. METHODS Sixty SD rats were divided into blank group （normal saline）， model group （normal saline）， positive control drug group （Dexamethasone tablet， 5.0 mg/kg）， modified Xianfang huoming decoction high-dose， middle-dose and low-dose groups （6.0， 3.0， 1.5 g/kg， calculated by crude drug） according to equilibrium-partitioning approach of body mass， with 10 rats in each group. They were given relevant drug/normal saline 10 mL/ kg， once a day， for consecutive 14 days. After the last medication， except for blank group， other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide 10 mg/kg to induce sepsis model. Twelve hours after modeling， serum levels of inflammatory indexes in rats [interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）] and liver function indicators [total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， alanine transaminase （ALT）] were detected. The changes of gut microbiota and liver metabolites in rats were analyzed by 16S rRNA technology and liver metabolomics. RESULTS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction could significantly improve the indexes of serum inflammatory indexes and liver function in rats with sepsis-induced liver injury （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； there was a significant callback effect on the relative abundance of 11 genera of bacteria （such as Akkermansia， Lactobacillus and Bilophila） among the 5 dominant phyla（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Twelve metabolites related to liver injury caused by sepsis were identified， such as glycine cholic acid， phosphatidylcholine， taurine （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， mainly involving glycerol phospholipid metabolism， purine metabolism and primary bile acid metabolism. CONC LUSIONS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction can improve liver injury induced by sepsis by regulating gut microbiota and liver metabolites.