1.Spatiotemporal characteristics of diesel exhaust particle pollution in confined space and impacts of ventilation and airflow: A laboratory simulation study
Zheyu HUANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Wenchu HUANG ; Zihui LI ; Bilige HASEN ; Hongbo WANG ; Yun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):814-821
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,
2.Osthole ameliorates chronic pruritus in 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by inhibiting IL-31 production.
Shuang HE ; Xiaoling LIANG ; Weixiong CHEN ; Yangji NIMA ; Yi LI ; Zihui GU ; Siyue LAI ; Fei ZHONG ; Caixiong QIU ; Yuying MO ; Jiajun TANG ; Guanyi WU
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(2):368-379
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of osthole for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on its ability to alleviate chronic pruritus (CP) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS:
In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of osthole in both a 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated huma immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells. The anti-itch effect of osthole was specifically assessed in the AD mouse model. Using methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
Osthole improved skin damage and clinical dermatitis scores, reduced scratching bouts, and decreased epidermal thickness AD-like mice. It also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31 RA) in both skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Osthole suppressed the protein expression levels of phosphor-p65 (p-p65) and phosphor-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-Bα (p-IκBα). Meanwhile, it increased the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ in HaCaT cells.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicated that osthole effectively inhibited CP in AD by activating PPARα, PPARγ, repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the expression of IL-31 and IL-31 RA.
3.Effect of ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block via lateral suprapopliteal approach on postoperative pain and motor function in elderly patients undergoing TKA
Zihui SHI ; Jing LI ; Jing WANG ; Xiujin ZHU ; Bo LI ; Wei YUE
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(7):77-81
Objective:To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block via lateral suprapopliteal approach on postoperative pain and motor function in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 83 patients who underwent TKA at our hospital from December 2021 to November 2024.Patients were divided into two groups based on postoperative analgesia methods:the control group(n=41)and the observation group(n=42).Both groups received the combined spinal-epidural.The observation group received the ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block via lateral suprapopliteal approach combined with intravenous analgesics,and the control group only adopted intravenous analgesics.The general data,Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores at different time points,first press time and number of the analgesic pump on vein,the time to first ambulation,Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA)score of lower limb and the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups were analyzed.Results:The VAS scores at the rests of 12 h,24 h,36 h,and 48 h,and at the motion after surgery in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(t=3.124,11.617,12.886,4.474,5.235,12.187,5.028,5.119,P<0.05).The number of first press of the analgesic pump,the time to first ambulation,and the adverse reactions in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group,and the differences were significant(t=65.134,39.193,2.162,P<0.05).The time of first press of the analgesic pump at the 48th h after surgery,and the FMA scores at the 2nd week and 4th week after surgery in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=21.192,3.786,3.626,P<0.05).Conclusion:The ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block via lateral suprapopliteal approach combined with intravenous analgesics can effectively relieve the pain levels in elderly TKA patients,and decreases the medication usage of analgesic pump,and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions.
4.Discussion on the Effects of Hedysarum Polybotrys Polysaccharide on Glucose Metabolism of Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle in Diabetic Gastroparesis Rats with Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome Based on AMPK/GLUT4 Signaling Pathway
Wenwen WANG ; Zihui ZHONG ; Shengfang WAN ; Xinxin MA ; Lei ZHANG ; Miao LIU ; Minqi XUN ; Jinyu LI ; Kang FENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):91-97
Objective To observe the effects of Hedysarum Polybotrys polysaccharide(HPS)on the glucose metabolism of small intestinal smooth muscle in rats with diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)of spleen qi deficiency syndrome;To explore its mechanism based on AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway.Methods Totally 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 12 in the blank group and the remaining 60 rats were assigned to the model group.The DGP spleen qi deficiency syndrome model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin+irregular feeding with high-fat and high sugar feed combined with swimming exhaustion method.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,metformin group and HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups.The metformin group was given 100 mg/kg metformin hydrochloride by gavage,while the HPS high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were given 200,100 and 50 mg/kg HPS by gavage,respectively.The blank group and model group were given purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.The gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate in rats were detected,HE staining was used to observe the smooth muscle morphology of gastric antrum and ileal tissue,immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1)in ileal tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of adiponectin(APN),glucagon(Glu)and insulin(INS)in serum,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of glucose transporter(GLUT)4,GLUT1,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and p-AMPK in ileal tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats showed significantly increased random blood glucose,significantly decreased body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate(P<0.01);the edema in the submucosal layer,loose arrangement of connective tissue,infiltration of a small number of lymphocytes,granulocytes and macrophages,reduced number of goblet cells in the ileal tissue,shedding of intestinal villous epithelial cells and widening of the gap between the submucosal layer and the lamina propria;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the contents of serum APN and INS were significantly decreased,and the content of Glu significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue were significantly decreased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in metformin group and HPS high-dosage group showed a random decrease in blood glucose,an increase in body mass,gastric emptying rate,and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);a more regular arrangement of gastric antral tissue cells,a reduction of shedding cells and edema,the smooth muscle structure of the ileal tissue was relatively intact,with evenly distributed cells and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells;the expression of GLP-1 in ileal tissue increased,the contents of serum APN and INS increased,and the content of Glu decreased,the expressions of GLUT4 and p-AMPK/AMPK proteins in ileal tissue increased,while the expression of GLUT1 protein decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion HPS may up-regulate GLUT4 and down-regulate GLUT1 expression through activates AMPK,promotes glucose uptake and utilization by small intestinal smooth muscle,and improves glucose metabolism of DGP rats with spleen qi deficiency syndrome.
5.Discussion on the Effects of Angelica and Astragalus Ultrafiltration Membrane Extracts on Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Kidney Disease Rats Based on Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zihui ZHONG ; Wenwen WANG ; Shengfang WAN ; Qian GUO ; Rui YANG ; Rongke LI ; Jinyu LI ; Kang FENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):61-68
Objective To observe the effects of Angelica and Astragalus ultrafiltration membrane extracts on Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway-related factors in diabetes kidney disease(DKD)model rats;To explore its mechanism in treating oxidative stress injury of DKD.Methods Totally 70 SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into 10 rats for the blank group and the remaining 60 rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet,streptozotocin was intraperitoneally injected after 4 weeks to establish the DKD model.The established model rats were randomly divided into the model group,positive control group(GKT137831 30 mg/kg)and TCM high-,medium-and low-dosage groups(Angelica and Astragalus ultrafiltration membrane extracts 6,3,1.5 g/kg),which were orally administered with corresponding drugs.The blank group and model group were given equivalent volume of distilled water orally once daily for 12 consecutive weeks.Random blood glucose,body mass and 24 h urinary total protein content(24 h-UTP)were detected,biochemical assays were conducted to detect serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and albumin(ALB)contents,HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology in renal tissue,the contents of reactive oxygen species(ROS),glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured by ELISA,the protein expressions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4(Nox4),Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1),nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit(GCLM)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the random blood glucose at each time point of model group rats significantly increased(P<0.01),the 24 h-UTP significantly increased(P<0.01),the contents of SCr,BUN and serum TG,TC increased(P<0.01),and ALB content decreased(P<0.01);with loose arrangement and disordered structure of renal tissue,consolidation of glomeruli,shedding of renal tubular epithelial cells,and increased deposition of collagen fibers;the contents of serum ROS and MDA were significantly elevated(P<0.01),while GSH contents decreased(P<0.01);the protein expression of Nox4 and Keap1 in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of Nrf2,GCLM and GPX4 protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the random blood glucose were significantly reduced at 6,8,10,12 weeks in the treatment groups(P<0.01),24 h-UTP decreased(P<0.01),the contents of SCr,BUN,TG,TC in positive control group and TCM high-,medium-dosage group decreased,with increased ALB content(P<0.01,P<0.05);renal tubular and glomerular lesions were improved,and collagen fiber proliferation decreased;serum ROS and MDA contents were reduced,while GSH content increased(P<0.01,P<0.05);the protein expression of Nox4 and Keap1 in renal tissue decreased(P<0.01),and Nrf2,GCLM and GPX4 protein expression increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Angelica and Astragalus ultrafiltration membrane extracts can effectively alleviate injury of renal tissue in DKD rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibition of oxidative stress response.
6.Construction of laboratory biosafety evaluation index system for emergency public health events in medical institutions from the perspective of integrating routine and emergency measures
Di ZHANG ; Fangchao LIU ; Fengling MI ; Zihui LI ; Hairong HUANG ; Liping PAN ; Guangli SHI ; Guanglu JIANG ; Junhua PAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2025;38(3):182-190
Objective:To construct a biosafety evaluation index system for major emergency public health events in medical institutions.Methods:Based on previous laboratory biosafety evaluation work, relevant regulations and standards on biosafety in China were collected through literature research and expert consultations. Candidate indicators for constructing the biosafety evaluation system for major emergency public health events in medical institutions were selected, and a framework was established. Two rounds of expert questionnaires were conducted to determine the content of the index system based on experts′ evaluation, and each indicator′s relevance and importance were scored. Finally, two rounds of Delphi consultations were carried out, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to calculate the weights of indicators.Results:The response rates for the total four rounds of questionnaire surveys were all 100%. The first two rounds focused on determining the framework, while the latter two focused on determining the weights for each indicator. The authority coefficients of the expert consultations for the two rounds of weights were 0.65 and 0.70, respectively, indicating the reliability of the research results. In the final round of survey, the Kendall′s coefficients of concordance at each level were all greater than 0.1. Through statistical testing, the P-values were all less than 0.05, indicating good coordination of expert opinions. Ultimately, we established an operational biosafety evaluation system for major emergency public health events in medical institutions, consisting of 4 primary indicators, 26 secondary indicators, and 119 tertiary indicators, with additional deduction items, bonus items, unacceptable items, and monitoring indicators.Conclusions:Based on scientific theory, a biosafety evaluation system for major emergency public health events in medical institutions was constructed, achieving the integration of routine and emergency measures. This system can be used for self-assessment of laboratory biosafety during emergency public health events, addressing the lack of unified standards in biosafety evaluation. Through regular self-assessment, it can enhance the level of biosafety management in medical institution laboratories, to realize the value of application and dissemination.
7.A preliminary study on horizontal sound localization in patients with unilateral sudden hearing loss during the acute phase
Mengyuan ZHU ; Xiaolin HE ; Jiaying LI ; Xing WANG ; Hongping DING ; Linan DIAO ; Xin FU ; Jiaxing LIU ; Zihui ZHAO ; Ningyu WANG ; Juan ZHANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(5):288-293
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.
8.Regulation of methyltransferase METTL3 on radiotherapy sensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Qingzhe MENG ; Junhong HUANG ; Xinjie YANG ; Huan LI ; Zihui YANG ; Jun WANG ; Yahui LI ; Rong LIU ; Jianhua WEI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):206-213
Objective:To study the influence of methyltransferases like 3(METTL3)on the radiosensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells(OSCCs).Methods:The apoptosis level of OSCCs CAL27,SCC9 and SCC15 treated with X-ray radiation doses of 2,4 and 8 Gy respectively was compared by flow cytometry,the expression of methylated gene RNA and protein in the cells were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot.m6A in the cells was quantified by LC/LC-MS method.qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the expression of methylated gene RNA and protein in the cells.Flow cytometry was used to examine the cell apoptosis level of CAL27 and SCC15 cells treated with METTL3 overexpression and knockdown respectively.The clone forma-tion of CAL27 and SCC15 cells after knockdown and overexpression of target genes followed by radiation treatment was observed by clonogenic assays.Results:The apoptosis rate of all the cell lines increased with the increase dose of radiation at each dose,CAL27 cells showed the highest and SCC15 showed the lowerst apoptosis rate.The RNA and protein expression levels of METTL3 in CAL27 were significantly lower than those of SCC15.m6A quantification showed that the methylation modification in CAL27 cells was lower than that in SCC15.The expression of METTL3 was increased in CAL27 and SCC15 cells after radiation treatment.Knockdown of METTL3 increaced the apoptosis rate and decreased the clonogenesity,overession of METTL3 the decreaced the ap optosis rate and increased the clonogenecity of the cells.Conclusion:Regulation of METTL3 can affect the radiotherapy sensitivity of OSCCs,METTL3 may become a new target for radiosensitization of OSCCs.
9.Exosome Linc00665 regulates radiotherapy resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating T cell immunoreactivity
Huan LI ; Junhong HUANG ; Yating HU ; Yahui LI ; Zihui YANG ; Zhenyan ZHAO ; Xinjie YANG ; Jianhua WEI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(6):744-749
Objective:To investigate the function and mechanism of exosome Linc00665 in modulating CD8+T cell immunoreactivity to promote radiotherapy resistance in OSCC.Methods:HOEC,SCC9 and SCC9-RR exosomes were extracted and identified,and the expression of Linc00665 was detected by qRT-PCR in cell lines and exosomes.The expression of TNF-α,IFN-γ,perforin and granzyme B in each treatment group was detected by ELISA(PBS,SCC9 exo,SCC9-RR exo).The killing ability of CD8+T cells against SCC9 cells in each treatment group was detected by CCK-8 assay.The targets of Linc00665 were further bioinformatically ana-lyzed and verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot.The expression of Linc00665,miR-28-5p and PD-1 in CD8+T cells was exogenous-ly regulated,the expression of immunoreactive factors in the supernatants of each treatment group was detected by ELISA(NC,sh-Linc00665,miR-28-5p inhibitor,sh-PD-1),and the killing ability of cells in each group was detected by CCK-8 method.Results:The concentrations of TNF-α,IFN-γ,perforin and granzyme B in the supernatants of cell culture in the SCC9-RR exo/CD8+T group were significantly decreased compared with those in the PBS/CD8+T group and the SCC9 exo/CD8+T group(P<0.05),and the kill-ing ability of the cells in the SCC9-RR exo group was significantly decreased compared with those in the PBS group and the SCC9 exo group(P<0.05),suggesting that SCC9-RR exo could inhibit the tumor killing ability of CD8+T cells.qRT-PCR results suggested that Linc00665 was highly expressed in the SCC9-RR cell line as well as exosome(P<0.05).It was further verified by bioinformat-ics analysis that Linc00665 could regulate PD-1 expression via miR-28-5p,thereby modulating CD8+T cell immunoreactivity to pro-mote OSCC radiotherapy resistance.Conclusion:Exosome Linc00665 regulates CD8+T cell immunoreactivity through miR-28-5p/PD-1 axis to promote OSCC radiotherapy resistance.
10.Regulation of methyltransferase METTL3 on radiotherapy sensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Qingzhe MENG ; Junhong HUANG ; Xinjie YANG ; Huan LI ; Zihui YANG ; Jun WANG ; Yahui LI ; Rong LIU ; Jianhua WEI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):206-213
Objective:To study the influence of methyltransferases like 3(METTL3)on the radiosensitivity of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells(OSCCs).Methods:The apoptosis level of OSCCs CAL27,SCC9 and SCC15 treated with X-ray radiation doses of 2,4 and 8 Gy respectively was compared by flow cytometry,the expression of methylated gene RNA and protein in the cells were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot.m6A in the cells was quantified by LC/LC-MS method.qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the expression of methylated gene RNA and protein in the cells.Flow cytometry was used to examine the cell apoptosis level of CAL27 and SCC15 cells treated with METTL3 overexpression and knockdown respectively.The clone forma-tion of CAL27 and SCC15 cells after knockdown and overexpression of target genes followed by radiation treatment was observed by clonogenic assays.Results:The apoptosis rate of all the cell lines increased with the increase dose of radiation at each dose,CAL27 cells showed the highest and SCC15 showed the lowerst apoptosis rate.The RNA and protein expression levels of METTL3 in CAL27 were significantly lower than those of SCC15.m6A quantification showed that the methylation modification in CAL27 cells was lower than that in SCC15.The expression of METTL3 was increased in CAL27 and SCC15 cells after radiation treatment.Knockdown of METTL3 increaced the apoptosis rate and decreased the clonogenesity,overession of METTL3 the decreaced the ap optosis rate and increased the clonogenecity of the cells.Conclusion:Regulation of METTL3 can affect the radiotherapy sensitivity of OSCCs,METTL3 may become a new target for radiosensitization of OSCCs.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail