Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of silica dust on the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) through in vitro and animal experiments. Methods i) In vitro experiment. A549 cells were stimulated with 100 mg/L silica suspension for 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. ii) Animal experiment. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, 14-day, 28-day, and 56-day groups, with five mice in each group. The mice in the control group were sacrificed at 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the mice in the last three groups were sacrificed at 14, 28 and 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL silica suspension with a mass concentration of 125 g/L via tracheal exposure method. The lung tissues of mice were collected to measure lung organ coefficients. Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, and Ashcroft scores were evaluated. The apoptosis of AEC in mice was observed by TUNEL immunofluorescence assay. iii) The mRNA relative expression of apoptosis-related genes in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue was detected using reverse transcription and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results i) In vitro experiment. The apoptosis rate of A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). The relative expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) mRNA in A549 cells in 24 h group and 48 h group decreased (both P<0.05), and the relative expression of BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) mRNA increased (both P<0.05), compared with 0 h group. The mRNA relative expression of caspase (CASP) -3 and CASP-9 in A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). ii) Animal experiment. The lung organ coefficients and Ashcroft score in mice progressively increased (all P<0.05), the degree of pulmonary fibrosis was gradually aggravated, and TUNEL positive cells in lung tissue were gradually increased, while Bax, Casp-3 and Casp-9 mRNA relative expression increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). Conclusion Silica dust may cause pulmonary fibrosis by inducing apoptosis of AEC, with a time-dependent effect. The mechanism may be related to the effect of silica dust on mitochondrial apoptosis through Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the mechanism of the gut-lung axis in paraquat-induced lung injury in mice, with a focus on analyzing the changes in intestinal gene expression and their potential roles. Methods Specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 wild-type mice were randomly divided into control, low-dose, and high-dose groups, with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the three groups received a single intragastric administration of paraquat solution at doses of 0, 25, or 50 mg/kg body weight. The mice were euthanized on day 21. Lung histopathological changes were assessed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the intestinal tissues of mice in these two groups were analyzed through transcriptomics. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to explore potential mechanisms of the gut-lung axis in paraquat-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Results Paraquat exposure induced dose-dependent pulmonary injury and fibrosis in the mice. The Ashcroft score of lung tissue was higher in the mice of low-dose group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Both the lung organ coefficient and Ashcroft score of lung tissues in the mice of high-dose group were higher than those in the control group and the low-dose group (all P<0.05). The result of transcriptomic analysis showed 146 DEGs, including 91 upregulated and 55 downregulated genes, in intestinal tissues of mice in the low-dose group, and 57 DEGs, including 47 upregulated and 10 downregulated genes in the high-dose group, compared with the control group. Notably, 19 DEGs were commonly altered in both low- and high-dose groups. The result of GO enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily involved in biological processes including "immune response", "oxidative stress" and "cell differentiation". The result of KEGG enrichment analyses showed that DEGs were primarily involved in key processes including "oxidative stress response path way", "immune response path way" and "digestion and absorption path way". Conclusion Paraquat exposure alters intestinal gene expression, particularly in genes in biological processes related to immune responses and oxidative stress. These changes may mediate inflammatory signaling via the gut-lung axis and contribute to the development of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms distinguishing metabolically healthy from unhealthy phenotypes within the same BMI categories remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between regional fat distribution and metabolically unhealthy phenotypes in Chinese adults across different BMI categories. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involving 11833 Chinese adults aged 20 years and older. Covariance analysis, adjusted for age, compared the percentage of regional fat (trunk, leg, or arm fat divided by whole-body fat) between metabolically healthy and unhealthy participants. Trends in regional fat percentage with the number of metabolic abnormalities were assessed by the Jonckheere-Terpstra test. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression models. All analyses were performed separately by sex. RESULTS: In non-obese individuals, metabolically unhealthy participants exhibited higher percent trunk fat and lower percent leg fat compared to healthy participants. Additionally, percent trunk fat increased and percent leg fat decreased with the number of metabolic abnormalities. After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as BMI, higher percent trunk fat was associated with increased odds of being metabolically unhealthy [highest vs. lowest quartile: ORs (95%CI) of 1.64 (1.35, 2.00) for men and 2.00 (1.63, 2.46) for women]. Conversely, compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs (95%CI) of metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the highest quartile for percent arm and leg fat were 0.64 (0.53, 0.78) and 0.60 (0.49, 0.74) for men, and 0.72 (0.56, 0.93) and 0.46 (0.36, 0.59) for women, respectively. Significant interactions between BMI and percentage of trunk and leg fat were observed in both sexes, with stronger associations found in individuals with normal weight and overweight. CONCLUSIONS Trunk fat is associated with a higher risk of metabolically unhealthy phenotype, while leg and arm fat are protective factors. Regional fat distribution assessments are crucial for identifying metabolically unhealthy phenotypes, particularly in non-obese individuals.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adipose Tissue ; Body Fat Distribution ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Surveys ; Phenotype

The precise and rapid monitoring of multiple organ dysfunction is crucial in drug discovery. Traditional methods, such as pathological analysis, are often time-consuming and inefficient. Here, we developed a multiplexed near-infrared window two (NIR-II) fluorescent bioimaging method that allows for real-time, rapid, and quantitative assessment of multiple organ dysfunctions. Given that existing probes did not fully meet requirements, we synthesized a range of NIR-II hemicyanine dyes (HDs) with varying absorption and emission wavelengths. By modifying these dyes, we achieved high spatial and temporal resolution imaging of the liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. This method was further applied to investigate disorders induced by cisplatin, a drug known to cause gastric emptying issues along with liver and kidney injuries. By monitoring the metabolic rate of the dyes in these organs, we accurately quantified multi-organ dysfunction, which was also confirmed by gold-standard pathological analysis. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of five aristolochic acids (AAs) on multiple organ dysfunction. For the first time, we identified that AA-I and AA-II could cause gastric emptying disorders, which was further validated through transcriptomics analysis. Our study introduces a novel approach for the simultaneous monitoring of multi-organ dysfunction, which may significantly enhance the evaluation of drug side effects.

Objective To explore the nephrotoxic effects of exposure to perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and its mechanism in mice, with a particular focus on analyzing the changes in kidney metabolism and their potential implications. Methods The specific pathogen free C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, low-dose group, and high-dose group, with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the three groups received intragastric administration of PFBA solution at doses of 0, 35 and 350 mg/kg body weight, once per day for seven consecutive days. The histopathological changes of kidneys of mice in these three groups were evaluated. Metabolomic profiling of mouse kidneys was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified based on the Human Metabolome Database, and related metabolic pathways were analyzed through MetaboAnalyst 6.0 and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Results Histopathological analysis of kidneys showed that the renal pelvis mucosa of mice in the low-dose group presented focal mild inflammatory changes without marked structural damage, whereas mice in the high-dose group showed severe inflammation and partial destruction of renal structure. The kidney coefficient of mice in both low-dose group and the high-dose group decreased (both P<0.05), and the Paller scores of renal tissues increased (both P<0.05) compared with that in the control group. The Paller score of mouse renal tissue in the high-dose group was higher than that in the low-dose group (P<0.05). Metabolomic profiling identified 46 DAMs (26 upregulated, 20 downregulated) in the low-dose group and 104 DAMs (54 upregulated, 50 downregulated) in the high-dose group, with 26 shared DAMs between the two dose groups. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that DAMs were mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, sphingolipid and steroid hormone synthesis. Conclusion Acute exposure to PFBA can cause kidney injury in mice. Lipid metabolism pathways such as glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism is involved in the development of acute renal toxicity of PFBA.

Objective: To explore the influencing factors and pathways of suicidal ideation among children and adolescents with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so as to provide references for clarifying the impact intensity and pathways of various factors on suicidal ideation in the population. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from June 17, 2024, to January 12, 2025, involving 96 severely affected ASD children and adolescents aged 8-18 years from Tianjin. Participants were assessed using the Puberty Development Scale (PDS), Children s Alexithymia Measure (CAM), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI). The random forest Boruta algorithm was employed to screen core variables, and a Bayesian network model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents with severe ASD. Results: Through the screening using the Boruta algorithm, the SDQ scale score, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship problems and prosocial behavior were identified as the key predictors of suicidal ideation. A Bayesian network model was established with hyperactivity as the central mediating node. The impact of hyperactivity on suicidal ideation exhibited a non linear relationship: compared to the normal state (31.6%, 68.4%), the borderline state of hyperactivity was associated with a higher probability of low risk suicidal ideation (47.1%) and a lower probability of high risk suicidal ideation (52.9%). Suicidal ideation among children and adolescents with severe ASD was closely related to hyperactivity. In the state of hyperactivity, the abnormal peer relationship (95.2%) and the abnormal prosocial behavior (77.0%) were aggravated. Conclusions Suicide ideation among children and adolescents with severe ASD is strongly associated with hyperactivity traits. It is necessary to establish a prevention and control system centered on hyperactivity intervention to reduce this risk.

Objective The imaging findings of X-ray defecography(XRD)and magnetic resonance defecog-raphy(MRD)of patients with Solitary Rectal Ulcer syndrome(SRUS)were retrospectively analyzed to provide important information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods 19 patients with SRUS confirmed by clinical,pathological and colonoscopy were included in this study.Among them,15 patients underwent XRD and 7 patients underwent MRD,and 3 patients underwent both XRD and MRD.Data of all enrolled patients were collected and pelvic floor function was measured.Results In the results of XRD,3 patients(20%)showed rectal intussusception.8 patients(53.3%)showed external rectal prolapse and 2 patients(13.3%)showed moderate rectocele.In addition,there were 2 patients of puborectal muscle hypertrophy,and 1 patient of bladder prolapse and uterine prolapse,respectively.For MRD,3 patients(42.9%)showed rectal mucosal prolapse(partial prolapse).At 4 patients(57.1%)with rectocele,3 patients(all female)had moderate rectocele,1 patient had mild rectocele.3 patients were also observed related anterior and middle compartment organ descent.2 patients of pubulorectal muscle hypertrophy,no sigmoidocoele.Conclusion Defecography can evaluate the structural and functional abnormalities of pelvic floor in SRUS patients,such as external rectal prolapse,rectal protrusion,rectal mucosal prolapse,and rectal intussusception,which has guiding significance for the treatment of SRUS patients.

Objective To explore the accuracy and clinical application value of artificial intelligence(AI)-based coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)in the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods Fifty-four patients with suspected ACS who underwent CCTA examination and invasive coronary angiography(ICA)within 72 h were retrospectively selected.The CCTA images of all patients were processed by AI(AI group)and manual post-pro-cessing(manual group),respectively.The image quality,work efficiency and detection rate of coronary artery stenosis were compared between AI group and manual group.With ICA results as the gold standard,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy of AI in the diagnosis of ACS patients with coronary artery stenosis(≥50％)in CCTA were analyzed,and the consistency of AI and ICA examination results was tested.Results The image quality of CCTA in AI group(grade Ⅰ 27.8％)was better than that in manual group(grade Ⅰ 14.8％),but there was no statistical difference between the two groups(X2=2.707,P＞0.05).The average diagnosis time of AI group(89.67 s±33.21 s)was significantlyshorter than that of manual group(813.33 s±301.84 s)and the difference was statistically significant(t=-17.512,P＜0.001),and the average time gain rate was 88.97％.There was no statistical difference in the detection rate of coronary artery stenosis(≥50％)between AI group and manual group(x2=0.003,P＞0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value,and accuracy of AI in diagnosis of ACS were 87.60％,96.44％,80.30％,97.92％,and 95.19％,respectively,which were significantly consistent with the results of ICA examina-tion(Kappa=0.810,P＜0.05).Conclusion AI-assisted diagnosis can correctly identify the coronary artery tree with better image,significantly shorten the diagnosis time of CCTA in ACS patients with high accuracy,and can provide a strong basis for the early treat-ment of patients with acute chest pain.

Animals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; Macaca mulatta ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Antibodies, Viral ; Vaccines

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Triangle hierarchical management among community patients with hypertension, so as to provide insights into the improvements of standardized hypertension management. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed hypertension from 2 community health service centers in Qiantang District of Hangzhou City by the end of 2020 were randomly assigned to the conventional group and the Triangle group. Patients in the conventional group were given health management services according to the requirements of basic public health service standard for one year, while patients in the Triangle group were given Triangle hierarchical management. The blood pressure, self-management behaviors, treatment compliance, smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise were collected using the self-management behavior scale, treatment compliance scale and self-designed questionnaires, and were compared before and after intervention with analysis of covariance and generalized estimation equations. Results: Totally 200 patients with hypertension were recruited, including 100 patients in the conventional group and 100 patients in the Triangle group. There were no significant differences between the two groups before implementation of interventions in terms of gender, age, educational level or occupation (P>0.05). The reduction in blood pressure, increase in the score of treatment, diet, exercise and living habitat management and the total score of self-management behaviors, increase in the score of adherence to medication regimens, daily living management behaviors, smoking and alcohol consumption preference and the total score of treatment compliance, and increase in the number of patients with normal standard of quitting smoking, quitting alcohol consumption, exercise and blood pressure were significantly higher in the Triangle group than in the conventional group after intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions Triangle hierarchical management may increase the treatment compliance, improve the self-management behavior and facilitate hypertension control among hypertensive patients, which may be popularized for health management among community patients with hypertension.