BACKGROUND: The protective effectiveness of an N95 respirator depends on the filtration efficiency of the material from which the N95 respirator is made of, as well as the wearers' facial fit. The facial fit of an N95 respirator mainly depends on the degree of matching between the wearers' facial dimension characteristics and the N95 respirator. Quantitative fit testing objectively evaluates the fit of N95 respirators; however, it is not easy to promote because of the limitations of testing conditions. The aim of this study is to establish a fit prediction model of N95 respirator based on facial images. METHODS: Facial images and fit factor (FF) value of 5 N95 respirators were gathered from 299 medical staffs in 10 hospitals in Beijing. Face geometry measurement was based on 3D face modelling, and the American TSI-8038 Porta Count Pro+ was used to conduct quantitative fit test. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify facial dimensional features that significantly influenced the fit of N95 respirators. Through matching training of facial image and FF values, a fit prediction model has been established, enabling rapid recommendation of N95 respirators meeting the fit standard via facial image recognition. RESULTS: A fit prediction model for N95 respirators based on facial images has been developed, which enables the rapid recommendation of N95 respirators with acceptable FF value for healthcare personnel. The model demonstrated an accuracy of 55.93%, a precision of 98.43%, a recall of 51.65%, and an F1 score of 0.68. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to utilize computer-based facial recognition technology to rapidly recommend N95 respirators for medical personnel. Given the high level of accuracy achieved, the model demonstrates significant potential for practical application.
Humans ; Face/anatomy & histology* ; N95 Respirators/standards* ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Beijing

OBJECTIVE: Cassiae Semen (CS, Juemingzi in Chinese) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of anthraquinones of CS (AQS) for adiposity. METHODS: The chemical components of the AQS were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict potential anti-obesity targets of action for AQS. We constructed high fat with high sugar water diet-induced obese mice and observed their body weight and whole-body lipid metabolism to evaluate the efficacy of AQS in promoting lipid metabolism. Subsequently, the epidermal temperature at the brown adipose tissue (BAT) before and after cold stimulation was observed and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and BAT tissues was detected to clarify the mechanism of action of AQS. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis showed that AQS was involved in the regulation of liver and adipose tissue function under obesity. Pathological and biochemical results showed that AQS reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue induced by an unhealthy diet. With the increase of cold tolerance, the volume and weight of BAT were increased by AQS, suggesting that it regulated the body heat production dominated by BAT. After AQS treatment, the levels of genes related to uncoupling protein1 (UCP1)-mediated adaptive thermogenesis in BAT tissues and lipid metabolism in the liver were also increased, which further proved that AQS activated BAT function to promote lipid metabolism in the whole body. CONCLUSION This study revealed the pharmacological effects of AQS, thereby providing a scientific basis for regulating BAT thermogenesis and liver lipid metabolism to alleviate obesity and providing clues for further exploring the application of natural active ingredients in the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.

Objective To investigate the dynamic characteristics of intestinal pathological development at different time points in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer.Methods A colitis-cancer model was established in C57BL/6 mice using azoxymethane(AOM)combined with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS).Samples were collected at 7,10,and 14 weeks post-modeling and the spleen index,colon length,mass,and colon mass per unit length were measured.Histopathological changes in the colon were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining.Expression levels of the cancer stem cell marker CD44 and Wnt signaling pathway genes Wnt2b,Lrp5,Axin2,and Znrf3 at different pathological stages were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real time PCR.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(FAP),CD44,the proliferation marker Ki67,and goblet cell MUC2 protein were detected by multiple immunofluorescence histochemistry(mIHC)and immunofluorescence.In addition,colon organoids were isolated from model mice at ten and fourteen weeks and cultured in vitro to observe changes in organoid morphology and marker expression.Results AOM/DSS-induced mice showed reduced,distorted,and branched colon crypt structures with a few collagen fibers at 7 weeks,and varying degrees of colon intraepithelial neoplasia,with an increased proportion of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia over time and increased collagen fiber staining at ten and fourteen weeks.mRNA levels of CD44 and Wnt2b in the colon were significantly increased(P＜0.05)and Axin2 was decreased(P＜0.01)in model mice compared with control mice at fourteen week,and levels of Wnt2b,Lrp5,and Znrf3 were increased compared with seven-week mice(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and Axin2 was decreased(P＜0.01).mIHC staining showed increased expression of FAP and CD44 in the colon in model mice at ten and fourteen weeks,with decreased MUC2 expression.Colon organoids showed cystic dilation,especially at fourteen weeks,with more prominent expression of Ki67 and CD44.Conclusions The AOM/DSS-induced mouse model exhibited chronic colonic inflammation,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia,and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia at seven,ten,and fourteen weeks,respectively.The pathological microenvironment was characterized by fibroblast activation and abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects and impact on balance control ability in elderly patients with chronic low back pain using dynamic neuromuscular stabilization(DNS)technique.Method:Forty elderly patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into two groups:an experi-mental group and a control group,with 20 participants in each group.The experimental group received DNS training,while the control group received conventional core muscle training.Both groups trained three times a week for four consecutive weeks.Before and after the intervention,visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ)were used to evaluate the pain and functionality in both groups.The balance control performance of the two groups was evaluated using a bal-ance testing system,assessing parameters such as anterior-posterior movement speed,left-right movement speed,and travel distance during open-eyed double-leg stance,closed-eyed double-leg stance,and open-eyed single-leg stance before and after intervention.Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess differ-ences in clinical scales and balance performance before and after intervention in two groups.Result:After 4 weeks of intervention,both groups showed significant reductions in VAS(F=63.386,P<0.001),ODI(F=21.204,P<0.001),and RMDQ(F=38.501,P<0.001)scores compared to pre-intervention(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences between two groups(P>0.05).During open-eyed double-leg stance,the experimental group had smaller left-right movement speed than the control group(F=4.228,P=0.047).During closed-eyed double-leg stance,the experimental group had smaller left-right move-ment speed(F=6.560,P=0.015)compared to the control group.During open-eyed single-leg stance,the experi-mental group had smaller anterior-posterior movement speed(F=14.252,P=0.002)and travel distance(F=1.014,P=0.036)compared to the control group.Conclusion:DNS training can relieve pain,improve functionality and balance control ability in elderly pa-tients with chronic low back pain.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects and impact on balance control ability in elderly patients with chronic low back pain using dynamic neuromuscular stabilization(DNS)technique.Method:Forty elderly patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into two groups:an experi-mental group and a control group,with 20 participants in each group.The experimental group received DNS training,while the control group received conventional core muscle training.Both groups trained three times a week for four consecutive weeks.Before and after the intervention,visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ)were used to evaluate the pain and functionality in both groups.The balance control performance of the two groups was evaluated using a bal-ance testing system,assessing parameters such as anterior-posterior movement speed,left-right movement speed,and travel distance during open-eyed double-leg stance,closed-eyed double-leg stance,and open-eyed single-leg stance before and after intervention.Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess differ-ences in clinical scales and balance performance before and after intervention in two groups.Result:After 4 weeks of intervention,both groups showed significant reductions in VAS(F=63.386,P<0.001),ODI(F=21.204,P<0.001),and RMDQ(F=38.501,P<0.001)scores compared to pre-intervention(P<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences between two groups(P>0.05).During open-eyed double-leg stance,the experimental group had smaller left-right movement speed than the control group(F=4.228,P=0.047).During closed-eyed double-leg stance,the experimental group had smaller left-right move-ment speed(F=6.560,P=0.015)compared to the control group.During open-eyed single-leg stance,the experi-mental group had smaller anterior-posterior movement speed(F=14.252,P=0.002)and travel distance(F=1.014,P=0.036)compared to the control group.Conclusion:DNS training can relieve pain,improve functionality and balance control ability in elderly pa-tients with chronic low back pain.

Objective:To investigate whether killer immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR)genotypes and haplotype are associated with the dry eye disease(DED)in a Chinese Han population.Methods:Polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers(PCR-SSP)method was used to genotype KIR genes in 106 DED patients and 220 healthy controls.Results:A total of 23 KIR geno-types were found in DED patients and healthy controls,including 10 newly discovered KIR genotypes.The genotype G and haplotype 4 were associated with respectively increased risk of DED(P=0.025,P=0.004);while the haplotype 2 appeared to have an inverse asso-ciation with the disease(P=0.016).The frequency of KIR genotype B/B in DED patients was also significantly higher than that in con-trol group(P=0.027).KIR haplotype A and B had distinctive centromeric(Cen)and telomeric(Tel)gene-content motifs,and the Cen-B/B was associated with increased risk of DED(P=0.037).Conclusion:There may be an association between KIR genotype and hap-loid type with DED in Han population.

Objective:To investigate whether killer immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR)genotypes and haplotype are associated with the dry eye disease(DED)in a Chinese Han population.Methods:Polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers(PCR-SSP)method was used to genotype KIR genes in 106 DED patients and 220 healthy controls.Results:A total of 23 KIR geno-types were found in DED patients and healthy controls,including 10 newly discovered KIR genotypes.The genotype G and haplotype 4 were associated with respectively increased risk of DED(P=0.025,P=0.004);while the haplotype 2 appeared to have an inverse asso-ciation with the disease(P=0.016).The frequency of KIR genotype B/B in DED patients was also significantly higher than that in con-trol group(P=0.027).KIR haplotype A and B had distinctive centromeric(Cen)and telomeric(Tel)gene-content motifs,and the Cen-B/B was associated with increased risk of DED(P=0.037).Conclusion:There may be an association between KIR genotype and hap-loid type with DED in Han population.

Objective To investigate the dynamic characteristics of intestinal pathological development at different time points in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer.Methods A colitis-cancer model was established in C57BL/6 mice using azoxymethane(AOM)combined with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS).Samples were collected at 7,10,and 14 weeks post-modeling and the spleen index,colon length,mass,and colon mass per unit length were measured.Histopathological changes in the colon were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining.Expression levels of the cancer stem cell marker CD44 and Wnt signaling pathway genes Wnt2b,Lrp5,Axin2,and Znrf3 at different pathological stages were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real time PCR.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(FAP),CD44,the proliferation marker Ki67,and goblet cell MUC2 protein were detected by multiple immunofluorescence histochemistry(mIHC)and immunofluorescence.In addition,colon organoids were isolated from model mice at ten and fourteen weeks and cultured in vitro to observe changes in organoid morphology and marker expression.Results AOM/DSS-induced mice showed reduced,distorted,and branched colon crypt structures with a few collagen fibers at 7 weeks,and varying degrees of colon intraepithelial neoplasia,with an increased proportion of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia over time and increased collagen fiber staining at ten and fourteen weeks.mRNA levels of CD44 and Wnt2b in the colon were significantly increased(P＜0.05)and Axin2 was decreased(P＜0.01)in model mice compared with control mice at fourteen week,and levels of Wnt2b,Lrp5,and Znrf3 were increased compared with seven-week mice(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and Axin2 was decreased(P＜0.01).mIHC staining showed increased expression of FAP and CD44 in the colon in model mice at ten and fourteen weeks,with decreased MUC2 expression.Colon organoids showed cystic dilation,especially at fourteen weeks,with more prominent expression of Ki67 and CD44.Conclusions The AOM/DSS-induced mouse model exhibited chronic colonic inflammation,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia,and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia at seven,ten,and fourteen weeks,respectively.The pathological microenvironment was characterized by fibroblast activation and abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells.

Background/Aims: Previous studies have shown that diet and physical activity can influence constipation. However, the combined effect of diet and physical activity on constipation remains unclear. Methods: Constipation was defined based on stool consistency and frequency, while overall diet quality was assessed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores. Participants were categorized into low (metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/wk < 500) and high physical activitygroups (MET-min/wk ≥ 500). The association between diet and constipation across physical activity groups was analyzed using surveylogistic regression and restricted cubic splines. Results: Higher HEI-2015 scores were associated with reduced constipation risk in the high physical activity group when constipation was defined by stool consistency (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-0.99). However, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not significantly affect constipation risk (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05). Similar results were found when constipation was defined based on stool frequency. In the high physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores were significantly associated with a reduced constipation risk (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98). Conversely, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not affect the risk of constipation (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90-1.03). Conclusions Our findings suggest that a higher HEI-2015 score is negatively associated with constipation among individuals with high physical activity levels but not among those with low physical activity levels. This association was consistent when different definitions of constipation were used. These results highlight the importance of combining healthy diet with regular physical activity to alleviate constipation.

AIM:This study aims to examine the ependymin-related protein 1(EPDR1)expression in various tissues from wild-type C57BL/6 mice and type 2 diabetes(db/db)mice.The impact of EPDR1 on lipid accumulation in al-pha mouse liver 12(AML12)hepatocytes was also investigated.METHODS:Western blot was used to detect EPDR1 protein expression in the heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,gastrocnemius,brown adipose and brain tissues of C57BL/6 mice.Western blot and immunohistochemical(IHC)staining were also used to compare EPDR1 protein expression in the liver,gastrocnemius muscle,heart and kidney tissues of db/db and C57BL/6 mice.To develop an AML12 cell lipid deposi-tion model,palmitic acid(PA)+oleic acid(OA)was used,and the cells were transfected with adenovirus overexpressing EPDR1 or treated with exogenous recombinant EPDR1 protein(rEPDR1).ELISA was conducted to determine intracellu-lar triglyceride(TG)content,and oil red O staining was employed to assess the effect of EPDR1 on lipid accumulation in AML12 cells.RESULTS:Western blot and IHC staining results revealed that EPDR1 was widely expressed in various tis-sues of wild-type mice,with the liver exhibiting the highest protein expression level.However,EPDR1 expression was down-regulated in the liver,gastrocnemius muscle,heart and kidney tissues in diabetic db/db mice compared with wild-type mice.Oil red O staining revealed that overexpression of EPDR1 in AML12 liver cells or rEPDR1 treatment led to re-duced lipid accumulation.Furthermore,the TG content significantly decreased compared with the model group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:EPDR1 is expressed in various tissues of wild-type mice,but showed diminished expression in the liver tissues of diabetic mice.Nevertheless,enhancing the expression of EPDR1 can aid in reducing lipid accumula-tion in hepatocytes.These findings provide an experimental foundation for further exploration of the role of EPDR1 in the development of fatty liver in diabetic liver tissue.