Background Both productive dust and noise are occupational hazards, and each can induce changes in blood glucose levels among workers. Objective To explore the potential interactive effects of exposure to productive dust and noise on the risk of hyperglycemia among automobile manufacturing workers. Methods Using a cluster sampling method, workers undergoing occupational health examination from three automobile manufacturing plants in Wuhan in 2022 were selected. Basic information was collected using a questionnaire designed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure history was obtained through occupational history interviews. Clinic indicators such as blood pressure, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fatty liver status, were retrieved from examination records. Hyperglycemia was defined as FBG > 6.1 mmol·L^-1. Logistic regression models analyzed the independent effects of occupational noise and dust exposure, while additive and multiplicative interaction models assessed their interactive effects on hyperglycemia. Results The prevalence of hyperglycemia among the 1223 participants was 7.7%. Logistic regression showed that using workers without exposure as reference, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hyperglycemia among workers exposed only to dust, only to noise, and to both were 2.15 (1.90, 4.23), 2.23 (1.40, 5.08), and 3.75 (1.95, 7.24), respectively. A linear association was observed between the duration of noise exposure and blood glucose levels (P<0.05). Interaction analysis showed no multiplicative interaction or additive interaction. Conclusion Exposure to productive dust and noise are independent risk factors for hyperglycemia among workers. While both contribute to increased risk, no significant synergistic interaction is observed.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated death globally. Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a key treatment for patients with HCC, and the Milan criteria have been adopted as the cornerstone of the selection policy. To allow more patients to benefit from LT, a number of expanded criteria have been proposed, many of which use radiologic morphological characteristics with larger and more tumors as surrogates to predict outcomes. Other groups developed indices incorporating biological variables and dynamic markers of response to locoregional treatment. These expanded selection criteria achieved satisfactory results with limited liver supplies. In addition, a number of prognostic models have been developed using clinicopathological characteristics, imaging radiomics features, genetic data, and advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence. These models could improve prognostic estimation, establish surveillance strategies, and bolster long-term outcomes in patients with HCC. In this study, we reviewed the latest findings and achievements regarding the selection criteria and post-transplant prognostic models for LT in patients with HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated death globally. Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a key treatment for patients with HCC, and the Milan criteria have been adopted as the cornerstone of the selection policy. To allow more patients to benefit from LT, a number of expanded criteria have been proposed, many of which use radiologic morphological characteristics with larger and more tumors as surrogates to predict outcomes. Other groups developed indices incorporating biological variables and dynamic markers of response to locoregional treatment. These expanded selection criteria achieved satisfactory results with limited liver supplies. In addition, a number of prognostic models have been developed using clinicopathological characteristics, imaging radiomics features, genetic data, and advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence. These models could improve prognostic estimation, establish surveillance strategies, and bolster long-term outcomes in patients with HCC. In this study, we reviewed the latest findings and achievements regarding the selection criteria and post-transplant prognostic models for LT in patients with HCC.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effects of two traditional mineral medicines (TMMs), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, GF) and Terra Flava Usta (Zaoxintu, TFU), on gut-beneficial bacteria in mice, and preliminarily explore their mechanisms of action. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group): the control group (standard diet), the GF group (diet supplemented with 2% GF), and the TFU group (diet supplemented with 2% TFU). After 4-week intervention, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota (GM). Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with coumarin A tetramethyl rhodamine conjugate and Hoechst stainings, was used to observe the bacteria and biofilm formation. RESULTS: Principal coordinate analysis revealed that GF and TFU significantly altered the GM composition in mice. Further analysis revealed that GF and TFU affected different types of gut bacteria, suggesting that different TMMs may selectively modulate specific bacterial populations. For certain bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium, both GF and TFU exhibited growth-promoting effects, implying that they may be sensitive to TMMs and that different TMMs can increase their abundance through their respective mechanisms. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri, a widely recognized and used probiotic, was significantly enriched in the GF group. Random forest analysis identified Ileibacterium valens as a potential indicator bacterium for TMMs' impact on GM. Further mechanistic studies showed that gut bacteria formed biofilm structures on the TFU surface. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the interaction between TMMs and GM. As safe and effective natural clays, GF and TFU hold promise as potential candidates for prebiotic development.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Bacteria/growth & development* ; Mice ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cisplatin-induced cardiovascular toxicity and explore the protective effects and potential mechanism of curcumin co-treatment. METHODS: Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were numbered and randomly divided into control group, cisplatin group (7.5 mg/kg, once a week, for 2 weeks), curcumin group (200 mg/kg per day, for 2 weeks) and cisplatin+curcumin group (cisplatin 7.5 mg/kg, once a week, and curcumin 200 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks) by a random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. Cardiac and vascular morphology and functions were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining, serum indexes detection, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure monitoring, vascular ring isometric tension measurement, and left ventricular pressure evaluation. The expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment induced notable cardiac alteration, as evidenced by changes in cardiac morphology, elevated serum enzymes (P<0.05), ECG abnormalities, and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (P<0.05). Meanwhile, cisplatin significantly increased arterial pulse pressure (P<0.01), primarily due to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure. Severe fibrosis was also observed in the thoracic aorta wall. In vascular ring experiments, cisplatin treatment led to a significant reduction in phenylephrine-induced contraction (P<0.05) and acetylcholine-induced relaxation (P<0.01). Notably, Curcumin co-administration significantly alleviated cisplatin-induced cardiovascular damages, as demonstrated by improvement in these parameters. Furthermore, ERK expression in the myocardium and p-ERK expression in vascular smooth muscle cells were significantly upregulated following curcumin co-treatment. CONCLUSIONS Curcumin protects the heart and vasculature from cisplatin-induced damages, likely by upregulating ERK/p-ERK expression. These findings suggest that curcumin may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating cisplatin-associated cardiovascular toxicity during tumor chemotherapy. In vitro cell culture experiments are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism.
Animals ; Curcumin/therapeutic use* ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Up-Regulation/drug effects* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Phosphorylation/drug effects* ; Electrocardiography ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Rats ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*

Objective To investigate the status of population dynamics and distribution changes of Aedes aegypti in Guangdong Province.Methods Continuous monitoring was conducted from May 2018 to July 2024 in Wushi Town and Qishui Town,Leizhou City,Zhanjiang City,Guangdong Province.Additionally,a survey of the distribution of Ae.aegypti along the Leizhou Peninsula coast was carried out.Results The density of Ae.aegypti in Zhanjiang showed a gradual decline from 2018 to 2024.The last detection of adult Ae.aegypti in Wushi Town was in September 2021,and the last larva was found in October 2023.No Ae.aegypti was detected in Qishui Town during surveys from 2021 to 2024.A survey of 18 coastal villages in the Leizhou Peninsula revealed no detections of Ae.aegypti.Conclusions This study provides a basis for understanding the distribution and population density fluctuations of Ae.aegypti,assessing its invasion risk,and scientifically conducting relevant prevention and control efforts.

Objective This study aimed to provide an effective scientific basis for prevention and control of cockroaches on aircrafts by identifying cockroach-carried pathogens,and assess the insecticidal efficacy of gel bait mediated cockroach control on aircrafts,to provide technical guidance for aircraft disinsection.Methods Cassette-trapping was used to trap cockroaches,and the carried pathogens were detected using bacterial cultivation techniques.The gel bait mediated killing rate was calculated after 1,7,and 30 d by field application of gel bait.Results A total of 411 cockroaches were captured,and all were identified as Blattella germanica.26 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the trapped cockroaches.The killing rates of cockroaches were 58.8％-96.3％with 1-30 day application of gel bait.Statistically significant differences were observed in cockroach killing rates on different days(χ2=58.95,P<0.01).Conclusions B.germanica carry a large variety of pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens and are thus important infectious disease carriers.Gel bait agents have proven to be very effective against cockroaches on aircrafts.

Objective Ticks serve as vectors for transmitting Babesia microti.However,the specific mechanism remains unclear.This study aimed to investigate the effect of tick autophagy molecules on the proliferation of Babesia microti.Methods An experimental model of infected and uninfected mice was used to collect tick materials for proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed autophagy-related molecules in Haemaphysalis longicornis.The cloning of the HlATG8 gene,protein expression,and production of polyclonal antibodies were completed.The HlATG8 gene was then knocked down using RNAi interference technology.Results The tick autophagy molecule,HlATG8,was identified and found to be significantly upregulated in ticks infected with Babesia microti.The load of Babesia microti in ticks increased significantly following the knockdown of the HlATG8 gene.Conclusions The tick autophagy molecule in Hae.longicornis,HlATG8,inhibits the proliferation of Babesia.