Ambient air pollution is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for heart failure; however, its effects on cardiac biomarkers remain unclear. This scoping review assessed the existing evidence on the association between air pollution and cardiac biomarkers in heart failure, described the key concepts, synthesized data, and identified research gaps. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched for studies on air pollution, heart failure, and biomarkers. A total of 765 records were screened, and 81 full texts were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 15 studies. The results showed that the exposure to particulate matter was associated with elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin levels. Several studies have linked particulate matter exposure to a higher cardiovascular risk and heart failure biomarkers. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were consistently elevated across studies, supporting the biological relevance of these associations. However, few studies have focused specifically on populations with heart failure or clinically relevant biomarkers, and the evidence for gaseous pollutants remains inconclusive. These findings highlight the need to integrate environmental risk assessment into heart failure care and inform policy efforts to reduce the pollution-related cardiovascular burden. Further research should address these gaps through improved exposure assessments and the integration of mechanistic evidence.
Heart Failure/epidemiology* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Humans ; Air Pollution/adverse effects* ; Air Pollutants/adverse effects* ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects* ; Environmental Exposure ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood* ; Oxidative Stress ; Troponin/blood*

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis of Chinese patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-low early breast cancer(BC)and HER2-IHC0 BC. Methods Patients diagnosed with HER2-negative BC(N=999)at our institution between January 2011 and December 2015 formed our study population.Clinicopathological characteristics,association between estrogen receptor(ER)expression and HER2-low,and evolution of HER2 immunohistochemical(IHC)score were assessed.Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the long-term survival outcomes(5-year follow-up)between the HER2-IHC0 and HER2-low groups. Results HER2-low BC group tended to demonstrate high expression of ER and more progesterone receptor(PgR)positivity than HER2-IHC0 BC group(P<0.001).The rate of HER2-low status increased with increasing ER expression levels(Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test,P<0.001,Pearson's R=0.159,P<0.001).Survival analysis revealed a significantly longer overall survival(OS)in HER2-low BC group than in HER2-IHC0 group(P=0.007)in the whole cohort and the hormone receptor(HR)-negative group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival(DFS).The discordance rate of HER2 IHC scores between primary and metastatic sites was 36.84%. Conclusion HER2-low BC may not be regarded as a unique BC group in this population-based study due to similar clinicopathological features and prognostic roles.

Objective To investigate the effect of fluid flow shear stress(FFSS)on the fluid mechanic threshold of high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)release by synovial cells and chondrocytes.Moreover,the mechanism of chondro-cyte and synovial cell damage induced by abnormal mechanical force was investigated to provide an experimental basis for exploring the pathogenesis and pathology of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.Methods With the approval of the Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments of the hospital,synovial tissue and cartilage tissue blocks were obtained from the knee joints of Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats,and synovial cells and chondrocytes were cultured and digested for subsequent experiments.Synovial cells and chondrocytes of 3-4 generations were acquired,and FFSS was applied to sy-novial and cartilage cells using a fluid shear mechanical device.The cells were divided according to the FFSS values of different sizes.Synovial cells were stimulated for 1 h with 1,3,5,or 10 dyn/cm2 of FFSS,and chondrocytes were stimu-lated for 1 h with 4,8,12,or 16 dyn/cm2 of FFSS.Resting cultures(0 dyn/cm2)were used as the control group.Changes in the morphology of the cells were observed.The expression and distribution of HMGB1 and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were observed by immunohistochemistry.The expression of HMGB1 and IL-1β in the supernatant was analyzed by ELI-SA.The protein expression levels of intracellular HMGB1 and IL-1β were detected by Western blot.Results With in-creasing FFSS,the synovial cells and chondrocytes gradually swelled and ruptured,and the number of cells decreased.With increasing FFSS,the localizationof HMGB1 and IL-1β gradually shifted from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.In synovial cells,compared with those in the control group,the expression levels of HMGB1 and IL-1β were increased both in the supernatant and cells in the 1,3,5 and 10 dyn/cm2 intervention groups(P＜0.01).In chondrocytes,com-pared with those in the control group,the expression levels of HMGB1 in the supernatant were increased in the 4,12 and 16 dyn/cm2 intervention groups(P＜0.05),and the protein expression levels of HMGB1 were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The expression levels of HMGB1 in the supernatant were significantly increased in the 8 dyn/cm2 intervention groups(P＜0.01);however,the protein expression levels of HMGB1 were significantly decreased.Compared with those in the control group,the expression levels of IL-1β in the supernatant gradually increased in the 4,8,12 and 16 dyn/cm2 intervention groups(P＜0.01).With the exception of those in the 4 dyn/cm2 group,the protein expression levels of IL-1β gradually increased with increasing FFSS(P＜0.05).Conclusion With increasing FFSS,synovial cells and chondro-cytes gradually swelled and burst,and the hydromechanical thresholds of HMGB1 release were 1 dyn/cm2 and 8 dyn/cm2,respectively.Therefore,upon stimulation with a mechanical force,synovial damage was damaged before chondrocytes.

Objective To assess the nutritional status and dietary quality of medical students and its influencing factors.Methods Students from Shanghai Medicial College of Fudan University were recruited to complete the 7-day and 24-hour dietary records,with food consumption measured by weight.A comprehensive evaluation of the students'dietary quality was carried out by comparing their actual nutrient intake against recommended levels and calculating the component score of the Chinese Healthy Eating Index(CHEI).Factor analysis was used to extract dietary patterns.All subjects were further divided into high score group and low score group based on total CHEI.Binary Logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing dietary quality.Results The study participants had an average daily energy intake of(2 057.02±501.87)kcal/d,80%from on-campus canteen meals.Carbohydrates,proteins and fats contributed to 48.90%,16.55%and 36.07%of the total energy intake,respectively.The CHEI median score was 67.55.Component scores for tubers,vegetables,fruits,dairy,fish and seafood,and nuts were below 60%,indicating an unbalanced diet.Being in the graduate stage(OR=0.53,95%CI:0.28-0.98)and having unreasonable body weight expectations(OR=0.37,95%CI:0.17-0.81)were associated with lower CHEI scores.Conversely,higher CHEI scores were associated with the fruit-dairy dietary pattern(OR=8.20,95%CI:3.39-19.84),the tuber-vegetable dietary pattern(OR=3.41,95%CI:1.58-7.32),and lower rates of on-campus dining(OR=1.92,95%CI:1.02-3.59).Conclusion The energy intake of students at Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University appears to be adequate.However,a relatively high proportion of energy supply from fat intake indicates a need for improvement in their dietary structure.The dietary quality of students is mainly influenced by their educational level,weight expectations and dietary patterns.

The twenty-first century has already recorded more than ten major epidemics or pandemics of viral disease, including the devastating COVID-19. Novel effective antivirals with broad-spectrum coverage are urgently needed. Herein, we reported a novel broad-spectrum antiviral compound PAC5. Oral administration of PAC5 eliminated HBV cccDNA and reduced the large antigen load in distinct mouse models of HBV infection. Strikingly, oral administration of PAC5 in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 omicron (BA.1) infection significantly decreases viral loads and attenuates lung inflammation. Mechanistically, PAC5 binds to a pocket near Asp49 in the RNA recognition motif of hnRNPA2B1. PAC5-bound hnRNPA2B1 is extensively activated and translocated to the cytoplasm where it initiates the TBK1-IRF3 pathway, leading to the production of type I IFNs with antiviral activity. Our results indicate that PAC5 is a novel small-molecule agonist of hnRNPA2B1, which may have a role in dealing with emerging infectious diseases now and in the future.
Animals ; Mice ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; COVID-19 ; Hepatitis B virus ; Interferon Type I/metabolism* ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Group A-B/antagonists & inhibitors*

OBJECTIVE: JieZe-1 (JZ-1), a Chinese herbal prescription, has an obvious effect on genital herpes, which is mainly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Our study aimed to address whether HSV-2 induces pyroptosis of VK2/E6E7 cells and to investigate the anti-HSV-2 activity of JZ-1 and the effect of JZ-1 on caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. METHODS: HSV-2-infected VK2/E6E7 cells and culture supernate were harvested at different time points after the infection. Cells were co-treated with HSV-2 and penciclovir (0.078125 mg/mL) or caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 (24 h pretreatment with 100 μmol/L) or JZ-1 (0.078125-50 mg/mL). Cell counting kit-8 assay and viral load analysis were used to evaluate the antiviral activity of JZ-1. Inflammasome activation and pyroptosis of VK2/E6E7 cells were analyzed using microscopy, Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining, lactate dehydrogenase release assay, gene and protein expression, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: HSV-2 induced pyroptosis of VK2/E6E7 cells, with the most significant increase observed 24 h after the infection. JZ-1 effectively inhibited HSV-2 (the 50% inhibitory concentration = 1.709 mg/mL), with the 6.25 mg/mL dose showing the highest efficacy (95.76%). JZ-1 (6.25 mg/mL) suppressed pyroptosis of VK2/E6E7 cells. It downregulated the inflammasome activation and pyroptosis via inhibiting the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (P < 0.001) and interferon-γ-inducible protein 16 (P < 0.001), and their interactions with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, and reducing cleaved caspase-1 p20 (P < 0.01), gasdermin D-N (P < 0.01), interleukin (IL)-1β (P < 0.001), and IL-18 levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION JZ-1 exerts an excellent anti-HSV-2 effect in VK2/E6E7 cells, and it inhibits caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis induced by HSV-2 infection. These data enrich our understanding of the pathologic basis of HSV-2 infection and provide experimental evidence for the anti-HSV-2 activity of JZ-1. Please cite this article as: Liu T, Shao QQ, Wang WJ, Liu TL, Jin XM, Xu LJ, Huang GY, Chen Z. The Chinese herbal prescription JieZe-1 inhibits caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis induced by herpes simplex virus-2 infection in vitro. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(3): 277-288.
Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/pharmacology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis ; Simplexvirus/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Herpes Simplex/drug therapy* ; Humans

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective To investigate the effects and mechnism of abnormal stress promoting macrophage mobility inhibitory factor(MIF),cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)and prostaglandin E2(PGE2)in the progression of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJOA).Methods From January 2020 to December 2021,TMJOA and temporomandibular joint internal derangement(TMJID)patients(30 cases in each group,we divided the TMJOA into group TMJ Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ according to the stage)who were admitted to TMJOA special clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and accompanied by abnormal occlusion were collected.The pain score of the occlusal state of the patients was evaluated by visual analogue scale.The expression levels of MIF,COX2 and PGE2 in synovial fluid were detected by ELISA.We used the unilateral anterior crossbite for TMJOA(UAC)rats model(the grouped into:UAC-4 weeks,UAC-8 weeks and UAC-12 weeks group),and control group at the same time(grouped into:Ctrl-4 weeks,Ctrl-8 weeks and Ctrl-12 weeks group),each group had 6 rats.The expression levels of MIF,COX2 and PGE2 in serum and synovial fluid of rats were detected by ELISA.The expression levels of IL-1β,IL-18,MIF,COX2 and PTGER2 in temporomandibular joint of rats were detected by Western blotting.The fluid flow shear stress(FFSS)model of fibroblast-like synovial cells(FLSs)was established,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of above indexes were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.Results Visual analogue scale evaluation showed that the pain score of TMJOA Ⅰ and Ⅱ group was significantly higher than that of TMJID(P<0.001).ELISA results showed that the expression levels of MIF,COX2 and PGE2 in synovial fluid in TMJOA group were higher than those in TMJID group(P<0.05),and the expression levels were the highest in TMJOA Ⅱ group.Compared with control group,the expressions of MIF,COX2 and PGE2 in serum and synovial fluid at UAC-4 weeks,8 weeks and 12 weeks were slightly higher,and significantly higher at UAC-8 weeks in rat TMJOA model(P<0.05).In addition,the expression trend of protein levels in temporomandibular joint tissues was similar,which showed higher expression levels of IL-1β,IL-18,MIF,COX2 and PTGER2(P<0.05).In the cell model where FFSS interfered with FLSs,with the increase of FFSS,cell with deformation,incomplete cell membrane and reduced number.Compared with control group,the expression levels of IL-1β,IL-18,MIF,COX2 and PGE2(PTGER2)of FLSs were increased in 1,3,5 and 10 dyn/cm2 intervention groups(P<0.05).Conclusion MIF,COX2 and PGE2 were highly expressed in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid of TMJOA patients with malocclusion.And these three factors were also highly expressed in serum and synovial fluid of UAC rats.The abnormal fluid shear stress promotes the secretion of MIF,COX2 and PGE2 by FLSs to participate in joint microenvironment inflammation and accelerate disease progression.

Objective: To explore the correlation between age and diversity and microbial composition in saliva and feces microbiota in high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Based on the national project on early diagnosis and early treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancer, 38 participants were enrolled in Linzhou in Henan province in August 2019. The participant information was collected by questionnaire. Saliva and feces specimens were collected from each participant for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between age and α diversity (Observed ASVs and Shannon index) and relative abundance of microbiota (phyla, genera, and species) in saliva and feces. Results: The median age (age range) of 38 participants was 54 (43-60) years old, and there were 16 males (42.1%). The Observed ASVs of saliva was negatively correlated with age (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), but the observed ASVs of feces was not correlated with age. In saliva, the relative abundance of Treponema (r_s=‒0.44, P<0.05), Alloprevotella (r_s=‒0.42, P<0.05), and Porphyromonas (r_s=‒0.41,P<0.05) were significantly negatively correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Alloprevotella tannerae, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella bovoculi, Prevotella sp.oral clone ID019, and Prevotella sp.oral clone ASCG10 in saliva were significantly negatively correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.50, -0.40, -0.38, -0.35, -0.33 and -0.33 (P<0.05), respectively. In feces, the relative abundance of Enterobacteria (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), Escherichia (r_s=-0.33, P<0.05), and Bifidobacteria (r_s=0.33, P<0.05) were correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Romboutsia sedimentorum, Citrobacter murliniae, and bacteroides uniformis in feces were correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.42, -0.37 and 0.36 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Age of the high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer is correlated with the relative abundance of microbiota in saliva and feces.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Saliva/microbiology* ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Microbiota ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms