FOXF1 reverses lung fibroblasts transdifferentiation via inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Silicosis is one of the most common and severe types of pneumoconiosis and is characterized by lung dysfunction, persistent lung inflammation, pulmonary nodule formation, and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. The transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is one of the main reasons for the exacerbation of silicosis. However, the underlying mechanism of transcription factors regulating silicosis fibrosis has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism of transcription factor FOXF1 in fibroblast transdifferentiation in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, a silicosis mouse model was established, and we found that FOXF1 expression level was significantly down-regulated in the silicosis group, and after overexpression of FOXF1 by adeno-associated virus (AAV), FOXF1 expression level was up-regulated, and silicosis fibrosis was alleviated. In order to further explore the specific regulatory mechanism of FOXF1 in silicosis, we established a fibroblasts transdifferentiation model induced by TGF-β in vitro. In the model, the expression levels of SMAD2/3 and P-SMAD2/3 were up-regulated, but the expression levels of SMAD2/3 and P-SMAD2/3 were down-regulated, inhibiting transdifferentiation and accumulation of extracellular matrix after the overexpressed FOXF1 plasmid was constructed. However, after silencing FOXF1, the expression levels of SMAD2/3 and P-SMAD2/3 were further up-regulated, aggravating transdifferentiation and accumulation of extracellular matrix. These results indicate that the activation of FOXF1 in fibroblasts can slow down the progression of silicosis fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 classical pathway, which provides a new idea for further exploration of silicosis treatment.

CAnceR IN PreGnancy (CARING) - a retrospective study of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is increasing. Data relating to investigation and management, as well as maternal and foetal outcomes is lacking in a United Kingdom (UK) population.

METHODS

In this retrospective study we report data from 119 patients diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy from 14 cancer centres in the UK across a five-year period (2016-2020).

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 33 years, with breast, skin and haematological the most common primary sites. The majority of cases were new diagnoses (109 patients, 91.6%). Most patients were treated with radical intent (96 patients, 80.7%), however, gastrointestinal cancers were associated with a high rate of palliative intent treatment (63.6%). Intervention was commenced during pregnancy in 68 (57.1%) patients; 44 (37%) had surgery and 31 (26.1%) received chemotherapy. Live births occurred in 98 (81.7%) of the cases, with 54 (55.1%) of these delivered by caesarean section. Maternal mortality during the study period was 20.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first pan-tumour report of diagnosis, management and outcomes of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy in the UK. Our findings demonstrate proof of concept that data collection is feasible and highlight the need for further research in this cohort of patients.

Exposure to micron-grade silica particles triggers pulmonary fibrosis through cell-to-cell delivery of exosomal miR-107

Long-term exposure to inhalable silica particles may lead to severe systemic pulmonary disease, such as silicosis. Exosomes have been demonstrated to dominate the pathogenesis of silicosis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the roles of exosomes by transmitting miR-107, which has been linked to the toxic pulmonary effects of silica particles. We found that miR-107, miR-122-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-126-5p, and miR-335-5p were elevated in exosomes extracted from the serum of patients with silicosis. Notably, an increase in miR-107 in serum exosomes and lung tissue was observed in the experimental silicosis mouse model, while the inhibition of miR-107 reduced pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, exosomes helped the migration of miR-107 from macrophages to lung fibroblasts, triggering the transdifferentiation of cell phenotypes. Further experiments demonstrated that miR-107 targets CDK6 and suppresses the expression of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and E2F1, resulting in cell-cycle arrest. Overall, micron-grade silica particles induced lung fibrosis through exosomal miR-107 negatively regulating the cell cycle signaling pathway. These findings may open a new avenue for understanding how silicosis is regulated by exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication and suggest the prospect of exosomes as therapeutic targets.

Effect of Recycled Fine Aggregates on the Mechanical and Drying Shrinkage Properties of Alkali-Activated Recycled Concrete

In this paper, the workability, mechanical, ion leaching, and drying shrinkage properties of alkali-activated concrete with recycled coarse and fine aggregates were studied, and the pore structure and micro-morphology of different alkali-activated recycled aggregate concretes (AARACs) were characterized by using the mercury intrusion method and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The experimental results showed that with the increase in the replacement rate of the recycled fine aggregate (RFA), the flowability showed a decreasing trend. Adding a certain amount of RFA improves the mechanical properties of the AARAC. The compressive strength at a curing age of 28 days was 65.3 MPa with 70 wt% RFA replacement. When the replacement rate of the RFA was 100 wt%, the maximum splitting tensile strength (4.5 MPa) was obtained at a curing age of 7 days. However, the addition of the RFA had little effect on the flexural strength of the AARAC. As an extension of the curing age, the splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, tension-to-compression ratio, and flexure-to-compression ratio all showed an increasing trend at first and then a decreasing trend. At a curing age of 7 days, the tension-to-compression ratio and flexure-to-compression ratio were both high (except for those of R100), indicating that the ductility and toughness of the specimen were improved. The addition of the RFA increased the drying shrinkage of the AARAC. At a curing age of 120 days, compared to the specimen without the RFA, the drying shrinkage rate of the specimen with the addition of 70 wt% RFA increased by 34.15%. As the curing age increased, the microstructure of the reaction products became denser, but the proportion of large-diameter pores increased. This study evaluated the application of RFA in AARAC. The experimental results showed that the RFA-based AARAC had acceptable mechanical and durability properties.

[Revelation of the list of occupational diseases and diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases]

The list of occupational diseases reflecting the latest advances in the identification and recognition of occupational diseases, and providing guidance on the protection of workers' health rights and interests and the prevention, recording, notification and compensation of related occupational diseases. Diagnostic criteria for occupational diseases are an important basis for making diagnoses attributable to occupational diseases, and provide a theoretical basis for health monitoring of occupational groups and occupational hygiene supervision. This thesis starts with the definition of the occupational disease elaborates in detail the development history of list of occupational diseases in International Labour Organization (ILO) , compares the list of occupational diseases in China (2013 version) with the list of occupational diseases in international (2010 version) , and then introduces in detail the latest diagnostic standards of the major occupational diseases. And finally, it puts forward relevant suggestions on the list and diagnostic level of China's occupational diseases, so as to provide certain insights for the further improvement of the list and diagnostic standards of occupational diseases.

Bioinformatics-based dynamics of cuproptosis -related indicators in experimental silicosis

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. Silicosis due to prolonged inhalation of free silica dust during occupational activities is one of the main types. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free copper in the cell, which ultimately leads to cell death. Increased copper in the serum of silicosis patients, suggests that the development of silicosis is accompanied by changes in copper metabolism, but whether cuproptosis is involved in the progression of silicosis is actually to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we screened the genetic changes in patients with idiopathic fibrosis by bioinformatics methods and predicted and functionally annotated the cuproptosis-related genes among them. Subsequently, we established a mouse silicosis model and detected the concentration of copper ions and the activity of ceruloplasmin (CP) in serum, as well as changes of the concentration of copper and cuproptosis related genes in mouse lung tissues. We identified 9 cuproptosis-related genes among the differential genes in patients with IPF at different times and the tissue-specific expression levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and Lipoyl synthase (LIAS) proteins. Furthermore, serum CP activity and copper ion levels in silicosis mice were elevated on days 7th and 56th after silica exposure. The expression of CP in mouse lung tissue elevated at all stages after silica exposure. The mRNA level of FDX1 decreased on days 7th and 56th, and the protein level remained in accordance with the mRNA level on day 56th. LIAS and Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) levels were downregulated at all times after silica exposure. In addition, Heatshockprotein70 (HSP70) expression was increased on day 56. In brief, our results demonstrate that there may be cellular cuproptosis during the development of experimental silicosis in mice and show synchronization with enhanced copper loading in mice.

Manganese accumulation in red blood cells as a biomarker of manganese exposure and neurotoxicity

Although overexposure to manganese (Mn) is known to cause neurotoxic damage, effective exposure markers for assessing Mn loading in Mn-exposed workers are lacking. Here, we construct a Mn-exposed rat model to perform correlation analysis between Mn-induced neurological damage and Mn levels in various biological samples. We combine this analysis with epidemiological investigation to assess whether Mn concentrations in red blood cells (MnRBCs) and urine (MnU) can be used as valid exposure markers. The results show that Mn exposure resulted in neurotoxic damage in rats and that MnRBCs correlated well with neurological damage, showing potential as a novel Mn exposure biomarker. These findings provide a basis for health monitoring of Mn-exposed workers and the development of more appropriate biological exposure limits.

Expression levels of key immune indicators and immune checkpoints in manganese-exposed rats

Manganese is essential trace elements, to participate in the body a variety of biochemical reactions, has important physiological functions, such as stimulate the immune cell proliferation, strengthen the cellular immunity, etc. However, excessive manganese exposure can cause damage to multiple systems of the body.The immune system is extremely vulnerable to external toxicants, however manganese research on the immune system are inadequate and biomarkers are lacking. Therefore, here we applied a manganese-exposed rat model to make preliminary observations on the immunotoxic effects of manganese. We found that manganese exposure inhibited humoral immune function in rats by decreasing peripheral blood IgG (ImmunoglobulinG, IgG), IgM (ImmunoglobulinM, IgM) and complement C3 levels; It also regulates rat cellular immune activity by influencing peripheral blood, spleen, and thymus T cell numbers and immune organ ICs (Immune Checkpoints, ICs) and cytokine expression. Furthermore, it was revealed that the impact of manganese exposure on the immune function of rats exhibited a correlation with both the dosage and duration of exposure. Notably, prolonged exposure to high doses of manganese had the most pronounced influence on rat immune function, primarily manifesting as immunosuppression.The above findings suggest that manganese exposure leads to impaired immune function and related changes in immune indicators, or may provide clues for the discovery of its biomarkers.

Structural Study of the Thermoelectric Work Units Encapsulated with Cement Paste for Building Energy Harvesting

Cement-based material encapsulation is a method of encapsulating electronic devices in highly thermally conductive cement-based materials to improve the heat dissipation performance of electronic components. In the field of construction, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) encapsulated with cement-based materials used in the building envelope has significant potential for waste heat energy recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cement-based materials integrated with aluminum heatsinks on the heat dissipation of the TEG composite structure. In this work, three types of thermoelectric work units encapsulated with cement paste were proposed. Moreover, we explored the effect of encapsulated structure, heat dissipation area, the height of thermoelectric single leg, and heat input temperature on maintaining the temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric single leg with COMSOL Multiphysics. The numerical simulation results showed that under the conditions of a heat source temperature of 313.15 K and ambient temperature of 298.15 K, the temperature difference between the two sides of the internal thermoelectric single leg of Type-III can maintain a stable temperature difference of 7.77 K, which is 32.14% higher than that of Type-I and Type-II (5.88 K), and increased by 26.82% in the actual experiment. This work provides a reference for the selection and application of TEG composite structures of cement-based materials combined with aluminum heatsinks.

The role of N6-methyladenosine methylation in PAHs-induced cancers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a wide range of environmental toxicants, may act on humans through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, resulting in a range of toxic reactions. Epidemiological studies showed that long-term exposure to PAHs in the occupational and living environment results in a substantial rise in the incidence rate of many cancers in the population, so the prevention and treatment of these diseases have become a major worldwide public health problem. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification greatly affects the metabolism of RNA and is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of many kinds of diseases. In addition, m6A-binding proteins have an important role in disease development. The abnormal expression of these can cause the malignant proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancers. Furthermore, a growing number of studies revealed that environmental toxicants are one of the cancer risk factors and are related to m6A modifications. Exposure to environmental toxicants can alter the methylation level of m6A and the expression of the m6A-binding protein, thus promoting the occurrence and development of cancers through diverse mechanisms. m6A may serve as a biomarker for early environmental exposure. Through the study of m6A, we can find the health injury early, thus providing a new sight for preventing and curing environmental health-related diseases.

Recycling waste dolomite powder in cement paste: Early hydration process, microscale characteristics, and life-cycle assessment

Waste dolomite powder (WDP) is a byproduct obtained from dolomite quarries during the preparation of dolomite products. To study the re-utilisation of WDP, an eco-friendly cement-based material was prepared using WDP as a micro-aggregate. The effects of WDP on the early hydration process, microscale characteristics, and life-cycle assessment of cement paste are discussed in this study. The isothermal calorimetry results showed that the incorporating WDP in cement paste accelerated the early hydration process of cement according to the degree of reaction. In this case, the setting time of the cement pastes with WDP was shortened, and the early compressive strength was significantly improved. The results of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis at early curing ages (1 and 3 d) showed changes in the peak intensity of ettringite and portlandite and a denser microstructure. Mercury intrusion porosimetry tests showed that the middle and large capillary pores were refined by the nucleation and filling effects of WDP. Based on environmental and economic evaluations, the utilisation of WDP reduced energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic costs. Compared to the sample without WDP, the energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic cost indices were 42 %, 42.69 %, and 39.4 % lower, respectively. Our results may provide valuable references for the re-utilisation of WDP in low-carbonation cement-based materials.

Development and validation of a nomogram for 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients

OBJECTIVE

30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in the elderly is common and costly. A predictive tool to identify high-risk patients could significantly improve outcomes. This study aims to develop and validate a risk nomogram for 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,249 geriatric hip fracture patients (≥60 years) undergoing surgery at Dandong Central Hospital from October 2011 to October 2023. Using a 7:3 ratio, patients were randomly divided into training (n=877) and validation (n=372) sets. Independent risk factors for 30-day readmission were identified using LASSO regression and logistic regression in the training set. A nomogram was constructed using the identified predictors. Finally, the C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to validate the model in the training and validation sets respectively.

RESULTS

The nomogram was developed based on the 8 predictors of age, prior stroke, chronic liver disease, treatment, uric acid (UA), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and pneumonia that were found to be independently associated with 30-day readmission. The nomogram showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.88 in the training set and 0.84 in the validation set. Calibration curves exhibited good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. Decision curve analysis demonstrated clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a nomogram incorporating eight clinical variables to accurately predict the individualized risk of 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. The model demonstrated favorable discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. It can help to identify high-risk patients needing additional interventions to prevent avoidable hospital readmissions.

Silica-exposed macrophages-secreted exosomal miR125a-5p induces Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cell imbalance and promotes fibroblast transdifferentiation

Until now, the specific pathogenesis of silicosis is not clear. Exosomal miRNAs, as a newly discovered intercellular communication medium, play an important role in many diseases. Our previous research found that serum exosomal miR125a-5p was increased in silicosis patients by miRNAs high-throughput sequencing. TRAF6, is a target gene of miR125a-5p, which is involved in T-cell differentiation. Furthermore, results from animal study indicate that knockdown of miR-125a-5p can regulate T lymphocyte subsets and significantly reduce pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6. However, the level of serum exosomal miR125a-5p in silicosis patients has not been reported, the role of macrophages-secreted exosomal miR-125a-5p in regulating T cell differentiation to promote fibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) remains unknown. In this study, the levels of serum exosomal miR125a-5p and serum TGF-β1, IL-17A, IL-4 cytokines in silicosis patients were elevated, with the progression of silicosis, the level of serum exosomal miR125a-5p and serum IL-4 were increased; thus, the serum level of IFN-γ was negatively correlated with the progression of silicosis. In vitro, the levels of miR125a-5p in macrophages, exosomes, and T cells stimulated by silica were significantly increased. When the mimic was transfected into T cells, which directly suppressed TRAF6 and caused the imbalance of T cells differentiation, induced FMT. To sum up, these results indicate that exosomal miR-125a-5p may by targeting TRAF6 of T cells, induces the activation and apoptosis of T cells and the remodeling of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Tregs distribution, ultimately promotes FMT. Suggesting that exosomal miR-125a-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.

Changes in serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression in workers due to Mn exposure

Mn (Manganese, Mn) is an essential trace element involved in various biological processes such as the regulation of immune, nervous and digestive system functions. However, excessive Mn exposure can lead to immune damage. Occupational workers in cement and ferroalloy manufacturing and other related industries are exposed to low levels of Mn for a long time. Mn exposure is one of the important occupational hazards, but the research on the effect of Mn on the immune system of the occupational population is not complete, and there is no reliable biomarker. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunotoxicity of Mn from the soluble immune checkpoint TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin containing protein 3, TIM-3) and complement C3. A total of 144 Mn-exposed workers were recruited from a bus manufacturing company and a railroad company in Henan Province. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect the concentration of RBC Mn (Red blood cell Mn, RBC Mn), and ELISA kits were used to detect serum complement C3 and TIM-3. Finally, the subjects were statistically analyzed by dividing them into low and high Mn groups based on the median RBC Mn concentration. We found that Mn exposure resulted in elevated serum TIM-3 expression and decreased complement C3 expression in workers; that serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression showed a dose-response relationship with RBC Mn; and that the mediating effect of complement C3 between RBC Mn and TIM-3 was found to be significant. The above findings indicate that this study has a preliminary understanding of the effect of Mn exposure on the immune system of the occupational population exposed to Mn, and complement C3 and TIM-3 may be biomarkers of Mn exposure, which may provide clues for the prevention and control of Mn occupational hazards.

Development and validation of a nomogram for urinary tract infection in geriatric patients with hip fracture: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop and validate a risk nomogram for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in geriatric patients with hip fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 900 geriatric patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at Dandong Central Hospital between June 2017 and June 2023 were systematically collected. The cohort was randomly divided into a training set (70%, n=632) and a validation set (30%, n=268) for model development and validation, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors associated with UTIs. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a UTI nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated in the training and validation sets using the C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis to assess discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, respectively.

RESULTS

Out of the 900 participants, 24.6% were diagnosed with UTIs. The nomogram was developed based on 9 predictors that were found to be independently associated with UTI. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting UTI in geriatric patients with hip fractures was 0.829 in the training set and 0.803 in the validation set. Following internal verification, the modified C-index remained at 0.829. Furthermore, the nomogram's calibration plot and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance in both the training and validation sets.

CONCLUSIONS

The established and validated nomogram provides a reliable and convenient tool for predicting UTI risk in geriatric patients with hip fractures. This model facilitates the early identification of high-risk patients and offers guidance for implementing targeted preventive interventions.

Development and validation of preoperative proximal and distal lower limb deep vein thrombosis nomograms in geriatric hip fracture patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and validate a risk nomogram for preoperative proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in geriatric patients with hip fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 970 collected geriatric hip fracture patients were randomly divided into a training set (70%, n=682) and a validation set (30%, n=288). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to optimize the predictive risk variables for proximal and distal preoperative lower extremity DVT in the training set, respectively, and the selected variables were finally incorporated to establish preoperative DVT nomogram prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to validate the nomograms in the training and validation sets, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 970 patients, 125 (12.88%) were diagnosed with preoperative DVT. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting preoperative proximal DVT was 0.888 in the training and 0.792 in the validation sets. The AUC for predicting preoperative distal DVT was 0.907 in the training and 0.790 in the validation sets. The calibration plots and decision curve analysis for preoperative proximal DVT performed well in the training set and slightly worse in the validation set. The calibration plots and decision curve analysis for preoperative distal DVT performed well in both the training and validation sets.

CONCLUSIONS

To construct nomograms for predicting the risk of proximal and distal preoperative lower extremity DVT in geriatric hip fracture patients. For patients at high risk, as assessed by this model, clinicians should intervene and treat them promptly before surgery.

A green ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete containing recycled fine aggregate: Mechanical properties, freeze-thaw resistance and microstructure

The shortage of natural aggregate poses challenges and offers new opportunities for the construction industry. Under this background, the emergence of recycled aggregates sheds new lights on building aggregate. In this study, a green ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC) containing recycled fine aggregate (RFA) was prepared. To assess the feasibility of RFA and reveal the reaction mechanism of UHPGC, the reaction process, mechanical properties, freeze-thaw resistance and microstructure were systematically studied. The heat evolution results indicate that the control of reaction process could be achieved by adjusting the precursor component. A compact microstructure with extremely low porosity could be formed in the UHPGC specimens, which contributes to their good mechanical properties and freeze-thaw resistance. Good compatibility in the interface transition zone between fiber, paste and RFA could be observed, indicating great potential in the manufacture of UHPGC by alkali-activation technology. A considerable environmental benefit could be obtained in UHPGC when compared to ordinary ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). This study is expected to offer more insights into the application of recycled aggregate and the manufacture of green UHPC.

Priority list of potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals in food chemical contaminants: a docking study and in vitro/epidemiological evidence integration

Diet is an important exposure route of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), but many unfiltered potential EDCs remain in food. The in silico prediction of EDCs is a popular method for preliminary screening. Potential EDCs in food were screened using Endocrine Disruptome, an open-source platform for inverse docking, to predict the binding probabilities of 587 food chemical contaminants with 18 human nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) conformations. In total, 25 contaminants were bound to multiple NHRs such as oestrogen receptor α/β and androgen receptor. These 25 compounds mainly include pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The prediction results were validated with the in vitro data. The structural features and the crucial amino acid residues of the four NHRs were also validated based on previous literature. The findings indicate that the screening has good prediction efficiency. In addition, the epidemic evidence about endocrine interference of PFASs in food on children was further validated through this screening. This study provides preliminary screening results for EDCs in food and a priority list for in vitro and in vivo research.

Racial differences in healthcare utilization among patients with suspected or diagnosed preeclampsia: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To analyze healthcare resource utilization and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in Black and White patients with preeclampsia diagnosis versus signs/symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the IBM® Explorys Database between 7/31/2012-12/31/2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted. Healthcare utilization and SMM were analyzed during the antepartum period (20 weeks of gestation until delivery) among Black and White patients with signs/symptoms of preeclampsia, with a diagnosis of preeclampsia, or neither (control).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Healthcare utilization and SMM in those with a preeclampsia diagnosis or signs/symptoms of preeclampsia only were compared with a control group (White patients with no preeclampsia diagnosis or signs/symptoms).

RESULTS

Data from 38,190 Black and 248,568 White patients were analyzed. Patients with preeclampsia diagnosis or signs/symptoms were more likely to visit the emergency room compared to those without diagnosis or signs/symptoms. Black patients with signs/symptoms of preeclampsia had the highest elevated risk (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4), followed by Black patients with a preeclampsia diagnosis (OR = 3.2), White patients with signs/symptoms (OR = 2.2), and White patients with a preeclampsia diagnosis (OR = 1.8). More Black patients experienced SMM (SMM rate 6.1% [Black with preeclampsia diagnosis] and 2.6% [Black with signs/symptoms]) than White patients (5.0% [White with preeclampsia diagnosis] and 2.0% [White with signs/symptoms]). SMM rates were higher for Black preeclampsia patients with severe features than for White preeclampsia patients with severe features (8.9% vs 7.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with White patients, Black patients had higher rates of antepartum emergency care and antepartum SMM.

Geranylgeranylacetone, an inducer of heat shock protein 70, attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting NF-κB/NOX4/ROS signalling pathway in vitro and in vivo

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating and progressive pulmonary disease which is characterized by epithelial cell damage and extracellular collagen deposition. To date, the therapeutic options for IPF are still very limited, so the relevant mechanisms need to be explored. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which has protective versus antitumor effects on cells under stress, is a member of the heat shock protein family. In the current study, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and migration assays were used to explore the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, the role of GGA in the process of pulmonary fibrosis was detected by HE, Masson staining, pulmonary function test and immunohistochemistry in C57BL/6 mice. Our results indicated that GGA, as an inducer of HSP70, enhanced the transformation of BEAS-2B cells from epithelial to mesenchymal cells through the NF-κB/NOX4/ROS (reactive oxygen species) signalling pathway and could significantly reduce apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells induced by TGF-β1(Transforming growth factor β1) in vitro. In vivo studies demonstrated that HSP70-inducing drugs, such as GGA, attenuated pulmonary fibrosis progression induced by bleomycin (BLM). Collectively, these results suggested that overexpression of HSP70 attenuated pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM in C57BL/6 mice and EMT process induced by TGF-β1 through NF-κB/NOX4/ROS pathway in vitro. Thus, HSP70 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for human lung fibrosis.

GGA (geranylgeranylacetone) ameliorates bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis is a response to ongoing cellular injury, disruption, and tissue remodeling, the pathogenesis of which is unknown, and is characterized by extracellular matrix deposition. The antifibrotic effect of Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), as an inducer of Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), in liver, kidney and pulmonary fibrosis has been supported by multiple preclinical evidence. However, despite advances in our understanding, the precise roles of HSP70 in fibrosis require further investigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether GGA could participate in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in mice through apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl2-Associated X (Bax) are two proteins related to apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic factor Bax are often involved in the apoptotic process in the form of dimer. Immunofluorescence and Western blot results showed that bleomycin (BLM) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibited Bcl-2 expression and promoted Bax expression in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In contrast, GGA treatment reverses this change. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are markers of oxidative stress, which often reflect oxidative injury of cells. The detection of ROS, MDA and SOD expression showed that TGF-β and BLM treatment could significantly promote oxidative stress, while GGA treatment could alleviate oxidative stress damage. In addition, BLM significantly elevated Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), Interleukin1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), while scutellarin reversed the above alterations except for that of GGA.

RESULTS

Taken together, GGA suppressed apoptotic, oxidative stress and inflammation in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Chain-mediating effect of interaction between telomeres and mitochondria under oxidative stress in coke oven workers

Coke oven emissions (COEs) exposure leads to oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidant production and antioxidant defence in the body, which then leads to shortened relative telomere length (RTL) and reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), ultimately leading to ageing and disease. By analysing the relationship among COEs, oxidative stress, RTL and mtDNAcn, we investigated the chain-mediating effects of oxidative stress and telomeres on mitochondrial damage and mitochondria on telomere damage in coke oven workers. A total of 779 subjects were included in the study. Cumulative COEs exposure concentrations were estimated, and the RTL and mtDNAcn of peripheral blood leukocytes were measured using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was measured to reflect the level of oxidative stress. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS 21.0 software and discussed using mediation effect analysis. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking and BMI, generalised linear model revealed dose-response associations between COEs and T-AOC, RTL and mtDNAcn, respectively. (Ptrend < 0.05). The results of chain-mediating effect showed that the proportion of the chain-mediating effect of "CED-COEs→T-AOC→ RTL→mtDNAcn" was 0.82% (β = -0.0005, 95% CI = [-0.0012, -0.0001]), and the proportion of the chain-mediating effect of "CED-COEs→T-AOC→ mtDNAcn → RTL ″ was 2.64% (β = -0.0013, 95% CI = [-0.0025, -0.0004]). After oxidative stress is induced by COEs, mitochondria and telomeres may interact with each other while leading further to potential bodily damage. This study provides clues to explore the association between mitochondria and telomeres.

Dynamics of the inhibitory immune checkpoint TIM-3 in mouse pulmonary phagocytes after silica exposure

Long-term inhalation of silica particles in the workplace causes silicosis, which is incurable and seriously endangers the health of workers. It is believed that silicosis is caused by an imbalance of the pulmonary immune microenvironment, in which pulmonary phagocytes play a crucial role. As an emerging immunomodulatory factor, it is unclear whether T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) participate in silicosis by modulating pulmonary phagocytes function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of the TIM-3 in pulmonary macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes during the development of silicosis in mice. The plasma levels of soluble TIM-3 in silicosis patients were also examined. Flow cytometry was used to identify alveolar macrophages (AMs), interstitial macrophages (IMs), CD11b+ DC, CD103+ DC, Ly6C+, and Ly6C- monocytes in mouse lung tissues, and further analyses were conducted on the expression of TIM-3. Results showed that soluble TIM-3 was significantly elevated in plasma of silicosis patients, and the level of which was higher in stage II and III patients than that in stage I. In silicosis mice, the protein and mRNA levels of TIM-3 and Galectin9 were significantly upregulated in lung tissues. Specific to pulmonary phagocytes, silica exposure affected TIM-3 expression in a cell-specific and dynamic manner. In macrophages, TIM-3 expression upregulated in AM after 28 days and 56 days of silica instillation, while the expression of TIM-3 in IM decreased at all observation time points. In DCs, silica exposure only caused a decrease of TIM-3 expression in CD11b+ DCs. In monocytes, TIM-3 dynamics in Ly6C+ and Ly6C- monocytes were generally consistent during silicosis development, which significant decrease after 7 and 28 days of silica exposure. In conclusion, TIM-3 may mediate the development of silicosis by regulating pulmonary phagocytes.

Dynamics of Nanosecond Laser Pulse Propagation and of Associated Instabilities in a Magnetized Underdense Plasma

The propagation and energy coupling of intense laser beams in plasmas are critical issues in inertial confinement fusion. Applying magnetic fields to such a setup has been shown to enhance fuel confinement and heating. Here we report on experimental measurements demonstrating improved transmission and increased smoothing of a high-power laser beam propagating in a magnetized underdense plasma. We also measure enhanced backscattering, which our kinetic simulations show is due to magnetic confinement of hot electrons, thus leading to reduced target preheating.

Investigation of Water Absorption Behavior of Recycled Aggregates and its Effect on Concrete Strength

The water-cement ratio (w/c) has a significant effect on the strength of recycled concrete. In this study, considering the effects of water/cement ratio, strength, and water content of recycled aggregates, two kinds of pulse sequences of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) were applied to investigate the water migration behavior between simulated recycled aggregates (SRA) and water or fresh mortar. Three sets of concrete strength tests were designed and the results were used to verify the findings of LF-NMR imaging tests. The results showed that the depth of water migration in the SRA increases with time: at first the change rate is rapid, then slows down, and eventually tends to remain stable. When the SRA is in contact with fresh mortar with low w/c, no water migration occurs because the hydration of the cement in the mixture consumes a large amount of water, resulting in the inability of water to migrate into the SRA through capillary pressure. For the recycled aggregate concrete with high strength, the addition of extra water will increase the effective w/c and reduce the compressive strength of the concrete.

Benchmark Dose Assessment for Coke Oven Emissions-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Damage Effects

Objective

The study aimed to estimate the benchmark dose (BMD) of coke oven emissions (COEs) exposure based on mitochondrial damage with the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) as a biomarker.

Methods

A total of 782 subjects were recruited, including 238 controls and 544 exposed workers. The mtDNAcn of peripheral leukocytes was detected through the real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Three BMD approaches were used to calculate the BMD of COEs exposure based on the mitochondrial damage and its 95% confidence lower limit (BMDL).

Results

The mtDNAcn of the exposure group was lower than that of the control group (0.60 ± 0.29 vs. 1.03 ± 0.31; P < 0.001). A dose-response relationship was shown between the mtDNAcn damage and COEs. Using the Benchmark Dose Software, the occupational exposure limits (OELs) for COEs exposure in males was 0.00190 mg/m ³. The OELs for COEs exposure using the BBMD were 0.00170 mg/m ³ for the total population, 0.00158 mg/m ³ for males, and 0.00174 mg/m ³ for females. In possible risk obtained from animal studies (PROAST), the OELs of the total population, males, and females were 0.00184, 0.00178, and 0.00192 mg/m ³, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on our conservative estimate, the BMDL of mitochondrial damage caused by COEs is 0.002 mg/m ³. This value will provide a benchmark for determining possible OELs.

Mitochondrial folate pathway regulates myofibroblast differentiation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis) is a diffuse interstitial fibrotic disease characterized by the massive deposition of extracellular matrix in lung tissue. Fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is crucial for the disease progression. Inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation may be an effective way for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.

METHODS

The experiments were conducted in TGF-β treated human lung fibroblasts to induce myofibroblast differentiation in vitro and silica treated mice to induce pulmonary fibrosis in vivo.

RESULTS

By quantitative mass spectrometry, we revealed that proteins involved in mitochondrial folate metabolism were specifically upregulated during myofibroblast differentiation following TGF-β stimulation. The expression level of proteins in mitochondrial folate pathway, MTHFD2 and SLC25A32, negatively regulated myofibroblast differentiation. Moreover, plasma folate concentration was significantly reduced in patients and mice with silicosis. Folate supplementation elevated the expression of MTHFD2 and SLC25A32, alleviated oxidative stress and effectively suppressed myofibroblast differentiation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that mitochondrial folate pathway regulates myofibroblast differentiation and could serve as a potential target for ameliorating silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

EFFECT OF EXOSOMES DERIVED FROM BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH IN BLAST-INDUCED LUNG INJURY IN RATS

ABSTRACT

Blast lung injuries (BLIs) are frequent because of industrial accidents and terrorist groups. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and exosomes derived from BMSCs (BMSCs-Exo) have become a hot topic in modern biology because of their significance in damage healing, immune regulation, and gene therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of BMSCs and BMSCs-Exo on BLI in rats caused by gas explosion. Here, BMSCs and BMSCs-Exo were transplanted into BLI rats via tail vein and then evaluated pathological alterations, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis in the lung tissue. Through histopathology and changes in malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents, we discovered that oxidative stress and inflammatory infiltration in the lungs were significantly reduced by BMSCs and BMSCs-Exo. After treatment with BMSCs and BMSCs-Exo, apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, were significantly decreased, and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was significantly increased; the level of pyroptosis-associated proteins, including NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18, were decreased; autophagy-related proteins, beclin-1 and LC3, were downregulated while P62 was upregulated; the number of autophagosomes was decreased. In summary, BMSCs and BMSCs-Exo attenuate BLI caused by gas explosion, which may be associated with apoptosis, aberrant autophagy, and pyroptosis.

PD-1/PD-L1 axis in organ fibrosis

Fibrosis is a pathological tissue repair activity in which many myofibroblasts are activated and extracellular matrix are excessively accumulated, leading to the formation of permanent scars and finally organ failure. A variety of organs, including the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, can undergo fibrosis under the stimulation of various exogenous or endogenous pathogenic factors. At present, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is still not fully elucidated, but it is known that the immune system plays a key role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. Immune checkpoint molecules are key regulators to maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis, among which the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis has attracted much attention. The exciting achievements of tumor immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 provide new insights into its use as a therapeutic target for other diseases. In recent years, the role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in fibrosis has been preliminarily explored, further confirming the close relationship among PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, immune regulation, and fibrosis. This review discusses the structure, expression, function, and regulatory mechanism of PD-1 and PD-L1, and summarizes the research progress of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in fibrotic diseases.

Benchmark dose estimation based on oxidative damage in Chinese workers exposed to benzene series compounds

This study evaluated the effects of BTEX exposure on oxidative stress; it analyzed the correlation between oxidative stress and peripheral blood counts and estimated the benchmark dose (BMD) of BTEX compounds. This study recruited 247 exposed workers and 256 controls; physical examination data were collected and serum oxidative stress levels were measured. Relationships between BTEX exposure and biomarkers were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, generalized linear model, and chi-square trend tests. Environmental Protection Agency Benchmark Dose Software was used to calculate the BMD and lower confidence limit of the BMD (BMDL) for BTEX exposure. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) correlated positively with peripheral blood counts, and negatively with the cumulative exposure dose. On using T-AOC as the outcome variable, the estimated BMD and BMDL for BTEX exposure were 3.57 mg/m³ and 2.20 mg/m³, respectively. Based on T-AOC, the calculated occupational exposure limit of BTEX was 0.055 mg/m³.

The value of discharged case fatality rate in estimating the severity and epidemic trend of COVID-19 in China: a novel epidemiological study

Aim

The main objective of this study was to explore the value of the discharged case fatality rate (DCFR) in estimating the severity and epidemic trend of COVID-19 in China.

Subjects and methods

Epidemiological data on COVID-19 in China and Hubei Province were obtained from the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China from January 20, 2020, to March 31, 2020. The number of daily new confirmed cases, daily confirmed deaths, daily recovered cases, the proportion of daily deaths and total deaths of discharged cases were collected, and the total discharge case fatality rate (tDCFR), daily discharge case fatality rate (dDCFR), and stage-discharge case fatality rate (sDCFR) were calculated. We used the R software (version 3.6.3, R core team) to apply a trimmed exact linear time method to search for changes in the mean and variance of dDCFR in order to estimate the pandemic phase from dDCFR.

Results

The tDCFR of COVID-19 in China was 4.16% until March 31, 2020. According to the pattern of dDCFR, the pandemic was divided into four phases: the transmission phase (from January 20 to February 2), the epidemic phase (from February 3 to February 14), the decline phase (from February 15 to February 22), and the sporadic phase (from February 23 to March 31). The sDCFR for these four phases was 43.18% (CI 39.82-46.54%), 13.23% (CI 12.52-13.94%), 5.86% (CI 5.49-6.22%), and 1.61% (CI 1.50-1.72%), respectively.

Conclusion

DCFR has great value in assessing the severity and epidemic trend of COVID-19.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01895-4.

Recent Advances in Properties and Applications of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Smart Cement-Based Composites

Under the strategies of low-carbon and environmental protection, promoting green technology innovation to achieve carbon neutrality in the construction field has become a universal goal. As the building material with the highest consumption, concrete has gradually begun to transform into a multi-functional and intelligent product. Therefore, the research on carbon fiber-reinforced cement-based composites (CFRCs) is of relative interest. It mainly uses carbon fibers (CFs) with high elasticity, strength, and conductivity to disperse evenly into the concrete as a functional filler, to achieve the intelligent integration of concrete structures and function innovatively. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of CFRC is not only related to the content of CFs and environmental factors but also largely depends on the uniform dispersion and the interfacial bonding strength of CFs in cement paste. This work systematically presents a review of the current research status of the enhancement and modification mechanism of CFRC and the evaluation methods of CF dispersion. Moreover, it further discusses the improvement effects of different strengthening mechanisms on the mechanical properties, durability, and smart properties (thermoelectric effect, electrothermal effect, strain-sensitive effect) of CFRC, as well as the application feasibility of CFRC in structural real-time health monitoring, thermal energy harvesting, intelligent deformation adjustment, and other fields. Furthermore, this paper summarizes the problems and challenges faced in the efficient and large-scale applications of CFRCs in civil engineering structures, and accordingly promotes some proposals for future research.

Mapping the 3D position of battery cathode particles in Bragg coherent diffractive imaging

In Bragg coherent diffractive imaging, the precise location of the measured crystals in the interior of the sample is usually missing. Obtaining this information would help the study of the spatially dependent behavior of particles in the bulk of inhomogeneous samples, such as extra-thick battery cathodes. This work presents an approach to determine the 3D position of particles by precisely aligning them at the instrument axis of rotation. In the test experiment reported here, with a 60 µm-thick LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ battery cathode, the particles were located with a precision of 20 µm in the out-of-plane direction, and the in-plane coordinates were determined with a precision of 1 µm.

[Efficacy and safety of various doses of hybutimibe monotherapy or in combination with atorvastatin for primary hypercholesterolemia: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-controlled phase Ⅲ clinical trial]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hybutimibe monotherapy or in combination with atorvastatin in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-controlled phase Ⅲ clinical trial of patients with untreated primary hypercholesterolemia from 41 centers in China between August 2015 and April 2019. Patients were randomly assigned, at a ratio of 1∶1∶1∶1∶1∶1, to the atorvastatin 10 mg group (group A), hybutimibe 20 mg group (group B), hybutimibe 20 mg plus atorvastatin 10 mg group (group C), hybutimibe 10 mg group (group D), hybutimibe 10 mg plus atorvastatin 10 mg group (group E), and placebo group (group F). After a dietary run-in period for at least 4 weeks, all patients were administered orally once a day according to their groups. The treatment period was 12 weeks after the first dose of the study drug, and efficacy and safety were evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. After the treatment period, patients voluntarily entered the long-term safety evaluation period and continued the assigned treatment (those in group F were randomly assigned to group B or D), with 40 weeks' observation. The primary endpoint was the percent change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline at week 12. Secondary endpoints included the percent changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (Apo B) at week 12 and changes of the four above-mentioned lipid indicators at weeks 18, 24, 38, and 52. Safety was evaluated during the whole treatment period. Results: Totally, 727 patients were included in the treatment period with a mean age of (55.0±9.3) years old, including 253 males. No statistical differences were observed among the groups in demographics, comorbidities, and baseline blood lipid levels. At week 12, the percent changes in LDL-C were significantly different among groups A to F (all P<0.01). Compared to atorvastatin alone, hybutimibe combined with atorvastatin could further improve LDL-C, TG, and Apo B (all P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in percent changes in LDL-C at week 12 between group C and group E (P=0.991 7). During the long-term evaluation period, there were intergroup statistical differences in changes of LDL-C, TG and Apo B at 18, 24, 38, and 52 weeks from baseline among the statins group (group A), hybutimibe group (groups B, D, and F), and combination group (groups C and E) (all P<0.01), with the best effect observed in the combination group. The incidence of adverse events was 64.2% in the statins group, 61.7% in the hybutimibe group, and 71.0% in the combination group during the long-term evaluation period. No treatment-related serious adverse events or adverse events leading to death occurred during the 52-week study period. Conclusions: Hybutimibe combined with atorvastatin showed confirmatory efficacy in patients with untreated primary hypercholesterolemia, which could further enhance the efficacy on the basis of atorvastatin monotherapy, with a good overall safety profile.

Optimizing the preparative capacity of two-dimensional liquid chromatography based on analytes retention behaviors

In this work, a solute retention optimization method (SRO) was proposed to exploit the purification potential of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). According to our findings, the complementarity of 2D-LC correlates with some specific impurities. In the two methods used in 2D-LC, the retention order of these impurities and target compound is completely opposite. Taking full advantage of the complementarity is crucial to enhance the saturation capacity (w_max) of 2D-LC by SRO. For the purpose of validating the effectiveness of SRO, a reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled with hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) was developed to purify p-chlorobenzoic acid from substituted benzenes. By using the overloading effects of analytes as indicators, the w_max of RPLC × HILIC was determined by the bisection method, and finally defined by the extremely high loading volume of 4.9 mL. A touch-peak separation of impurities and the target compound occurred precisely during the secondary separation. The effectiveness of SRO was also verified by the greater purification efficiency of RPLC × HILIC than that of HILIC × RPLC. Subsequently, a RPLC × RPLC method was developed by SRO to prepare the reference materials of caffeine from tea extracts. Only by an analytical C18 column, 15.6 mg of caffeine with the purity of 98.3% was obtained at once with the recovery up to 82.3%. However, without the aid of SRO, the purity rapidly decreased to 62.0%. Compared to other methods, SRO-based 2D-LC offers certain advantages in terms of purity, recovery, and the purification efficiency, suggesting that it is particularly effective in developing preparative 2D-LC facing complex matrices.

Prediction of the Endocrine disruption profile of fluorinated biphenyls and analogues: An in silico study

Fluorinated biphenyls and their analogues (FBAs) are considered new persistent organic pollutants, but their endocrine-disrupting effects are still unknown. To fill this gap, the binding probability of 44 FBAs to different nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) was predicted using Endocrine Disruptome. And molecular similarity and network toxicology analysis were used to strengthen the docking screening. The docking results showed that FBAs could have high binding potential for various NHRs, such as estrogen receptors β antagonism (ERβ an), liver X receptors α (LXRα), estrogen receptors α (ERα), and liver X receptors β (LXRβ). The similarity analysis found that the degree of overlap of the NHR repertoire was related to the Tanimoto coefficient of FBAs. Network toxicology verified a part of docking screening results and identified endocrine-disrupting pathways worthy of attention. This study found out potential endocrine-disrupting FBAs and their vulnerable, and developed a workflow that would leverage in silico approaches including molecular docking, similarity, and network toxicology for risk prioritization of potential endocrine-disrupting compounds.

Expression level and function analysis of serum miRNAs in workers with occupational exposure to benzene series

Benzene series are ubiquitous in industrial production and daily life, and can have an impact on health even at low concentrations. miRNAs have been proved to be a biomarker of a variety of diseases and carcinogens. The purpose of this study was to explore the distribution characteristics and biological function of miRNAs in subjects exposed to benzene series. In this study, serum miRNAs were measured in 247 occupationally exposed subjects and 256 controls. The relationship between cumulative exposure dose of benzene series and miRNAs was analyzed by Generalized linear model, Spearman's rank correlation, and chi-square test for trend. The function of MiRNAs target gene was analyzed by means of bioinformatics method. The results showed that the expressions of miR-181a-5p, 221-3p, 223-3p, and 342-3p were down-regulated, whilst the expression of miR-638 was up-regulated in the occupational exposure group. miR-181a-5p, 221-3p, 223-3p, 342-3p, and 638 showed dose-response relationship with benzene series, and were closely related to multiple tumor pathways. miR-181a-5p, 221-3p, 223-3p, 342-3p, and 638 may be involved in the carcinogenic process of benzene series, and can be used to evaluate the early biological effects and monitor the exposure level of benzene series. miRNAs are potential biomarkers of benzene series exposure.

Effect and interaction of TNKS genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors on telomere damage in COEs-exposure workers

Coke oven emissions (COEs) contain many carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Telomere damage is an early biological marker reflecting long-term COEs-exposure. Whereas, whether the genetic variations of telomere-regulated gene TNKS have an effect on the COEs-induced telomere damage is unknown. So we detected the environmental exposure levels, relative telomere length (RTL), and TNKS genetic polymorphisms among 544 COEs-exposure workers and 238 healthy participants. We found that the RTL of the wild homozygous GG genotype in rs1055328 locus was statistically shorter compared with the CG+CC genotype for the healthy participants using covariance analysis(P = 0.008). In the Generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, TNKS rs1055328 GG could accelerate telomere shortening (P = 0.011); and the interaction between TNKS rs1055328 GG and COEs-exposure had an effect on RTL (P = 0.002). In conclusion, this study was the first to discover the role of TNKS rs1055328 locus in COEs-induced telomere damage, and proved that chromosomal damage was a combined consequence of environmental and genetic factors.

Detection and analysis of lung microbiota in mice with lung cancer lacking the NLRP3 gene

To explore whether the lung microbiota have changed in the process of NLRP3 inflammasome promoting cancer, we constructed a murine lung cancer model using tracheal instillation of benzo(a)pyrene and an equal volume of tricaprylin, and characterized lung microbiota in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 24 SPF wild-type and NLRP3 gene knockout (NLRP3-/-) C57BL/6 mice. 16SrDNA sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the microbiota. The wild-type and the NLRP3-/- lung cancer group had statistically significant differences in tumor formation rate, tumor number, and tumor size. At the phylum and the genus level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Sphingomonas were the highest in each group respectively. Simpson (P = 0.002) and Shannon (P = 0.008) indexes showed that the diversity of microbiota in the lung cancer group was lower than that in the control group under the NLRP3-/- background. According to the ANOSIM and MRPP analysis, there was a difference between the NLRP3-/- lung cancer group and the NLRP3-/- control group (P < 0.05). The knockout of the NLRP3 gene caused changes in the lung microbiota of mice. There may be a regulatory relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and the lung microbiota, which affects the occurrence and development of lung cancer.

The diagnostic value of circulating abnormal cells in early lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Early detection of lung cancer can lead to more effective treatment and improved survival. Circulatory abnormal cells (CACs) with specific chromosomal variation may be used to diagnose lung cancer and to differentiate benign from malignant nodules. The value of CAC in precancer diagnosis, however, remains controversial. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted to clarify the diagnostic value of CAC in early-stage lung cancer. A systematic literature search was conducted using the following medical topic title terms and text-free words: "circulating genetically abnormal cells", "CACs", "liquid biopsy", "early lung cancer", "non-small cell lung cancer", "diagnostic accuracy", "sensitivity" and "specificity" in Science Direct, CNKI and Wanfang databases, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the curve were analyzed by STATA15.0 (MP) software. Deek funnel plots were used to assess potential publication bias. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic and the Cochrane Q test. 7 major studies were included in this meta-analysis, and a total of 53728 participants were analyzed. In the diagnosis of early lung cancer, CAC had pooled sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristics of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.86), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.69-0.94), and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90). The combined positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and diagnostic score were 23.36 (95% CI: 7.33-74.46), 5.42 (95% CI: 2.37-12.43), 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16-0.35) and 3.15 (95% CI: 1.99-4.31) respectively. Publication bias was not detected. The CAC is effective at detecting lung cancer in its early stages.

MALAT1-miR-30c-5p-CTGF/ATG5 axis regulates silica-induced experimental silicosis by mediating EMT in alveolar epithelial cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells is a vital source of pulmonary myofibroblasts, and myofibroblasts formation is recognized as an important phase in the pathological process of silicosis. miR-30c-5p has been determined to be relevant in the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in numerous disease processes. However, elucidating the role played by miR-30c-5p in the silicosis-associated EMT process remains a great challenge. In this work, based on the establishment of mouse silicosis and A549 cells EMT models, miR-30c-5p was interfered with in vivo and in vitro models to reveal its effects on EMT and autophagy. Moreover, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5), and autophagy were further interfered with in the A549 cells models to uncover the possible molecular mechanism through which miR-30c-5p inhibits silicosis associated EMT. The results demonstrated the targeted binding of miR-30c-5p to CTGF, ATG5, and MALAT1, and showed that miR-30c-5p could prevent EMT in lung epithelial cells by acting on CTGF and ATG5-associated autophagy, thereby inhibiting the silicosis fibrosis process. Furthermore, we also found that lncRNA MALAT1 might competitively absorb miR-30c-5p and affect the EMT of lung epithelial cells. In a word, interfering with miR-30c-5p and its related molecules (MALAT1, CTGF, and ATG5-associated autophagy) may provide a reference point for the application of silicosis intervention-related targets.

Exosomal miR-125a-5p regulates T lymphocyte subsets to promote silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6

Silicosis caused by long-term inhalation of crystalline silica during occupational activities seriously threatens the health of occupational populations. Imbalances in T helper 1(Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote the development of pulmonary silicosis. Exosomes and their contents, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), represent a new type of intercellular signal transmission mediator related to various diseases including pulmonary fibrosis. However, whether exosomal miRNAs can affect the progression of silicosis by regulating T cell differentiation remains to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we established a miR-125a-5p antagomir mouse model and examined changes in miR-125a-5p levels and T cell subtypes. We found that miR-125a-5p levels were increased in lung tissues and serum exosomes in the silica group at 7 days and 28 days. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p attenuated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, p-p65, and p-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) kinase (IKK) protein expression, while tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and p-inhibitor of κBα (IKBα) expression were increased. MiR-125a-5p anta-miR treatment contributes to the maintenance of Th1/Th2 balance during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings indicated that knockdown miR-125a-5p could regulate T lymphocyte subsets and significantly reduce pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6.

A2aR inhibits fibrosis and the EMT process in silicosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Silicosis, a disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the lung tissue, is caused by long-term inhalation of free silica (SiO2) dust in the occupational environment and is currently the most serious occupational diseases of pneumoconiosis. Several studies have suggested that alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AEC Ⅱ) undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as one of the crucial components of silicosis in lung fibroblasts. A2aR can play a critical regulatory role in fibrosis-related diseases by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, but its function in the EMT process of silicosis has not been explained. In this study, an EMT model of A549 cells was established. The results revealed that A2aR expression is reduced in the EMT model. Furthermore, activation of A2aR or suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway reversed the EMT process, while the opposite result was obtained by inhibiting A2aR. In addition, activation of A2aR in a mouse silicosis model inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and ameliorated the extent of silica-induced lung fibrosis in mice. To sum up, we uncovered that A2aR inhibits fibrosis and the EMT process in silicosis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our study can provide an experimental basis for elucidating the role of A2aR in the development of silicosis and offer new ideas for further exploration of interventions for silicosis.

[Pancreatic pseudocyst after pegaspargase treatment in six children]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst after pegaspargase treatment in children. Methods: The clinical data of 6 children with pancreatic pseudocyst after pegaspargase treatment in the Department of Pediatrics in Peking University Third Hospital from July 2018 to February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 4 males and 2 females, and their age of onset was 9.5 (5.8, 13.0) years. The total number of pegaspargase applications was 2.5 (2.0, 3.5) times. The course from the last dose of pegaspargase to the onset of pancreatitis was 11.0 (9.0, 17.2) days, and 42.5 (35.0, 129.5) days from the onset of pancreatitis to the diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocyst. Abdominal pain was the most prominent manifestation of pancreatitis (6/6). All of the 6 children were asymptomatic when pancreatic pseudocyst was noted, and were treated conservatively at first, but one case later developed intermittent abdominal distension or nausea after eating. All the cases had pancreatic pseudocyst enlargement during the conservative treatment. Three children were treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided transgastric drainage, and the cyst disappeared from 10 days to 4 months after the operation. The other 3 children received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided transpapillary drainage, but one of them turned to surgery due to pancreatic duct stricture, and in the rest 2 children the cyst disappeared at 1 and 3 months after operation respectively. Regarding safety issues, 1 child who received ERCP-guided transpapillary drainage had acute postoperative pancreatitis, which were improved after treatment, and the other 5 had no complications. Conclusions: Pancreatic pseudocyst after pegaspargase chemotherapy can be asymptomatic in the early stage, and should be diagnosed with a history of pegaspargase treatment and timely imaging examination. Conservative treatment is the first choice for asymptomatic pseudocyst. When the pseudocyst enlarges, different endoscopic drainage treatments are required according to whether the pseudocyst is connected with the main pancreatic duct.

Validity of three smartwatches in estimating energy expenditure during outdoor walking and running

Commercially wrist-worn devices often present inaccurate estimations of energy expenditure (EE), with large between-device differences. We aimed to assess the validity of the Apple Watch Series 6 (AW), Garmin FENIX 6 (GF) and Huawei Watch GT 2e (HW) in estimating EE during outdoor walking and running. Twenty young normal-weight Chinese adults concurrently wore three index devices randomly positioned at both wrists during walking at 6 km/h and running at 10 km/h for 2 km on a 400- meter track. As a criterion, EE was assessed by indirect calorimetry (COSMED K5). For walking, EE from AW and GF was significantly higher than that obtained by the K5 (p < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively), but not for HW (p = 0.491). The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 19.8% for AW, 32.0% for GF, and 9.9% for HW, respectively. The limits of agreement (LoA) were 44.1, 150.1 and 48.6 kcal for AW, GF, and HW respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.821, 0.216 and 0.760 for AW, GF, and HW, respectively. For running, EE from AW and GF were significantly higher than the K5 (p < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively), but not for HW (p = 0.946). The MAPE was 24.4%, 21.8% and 11.9% for AW, GF and HW, respectively. LoA were 62.8, 89.4 and 65.6 kcal for AW, GF and HW, respectively. The ICC was 0.741, 0.594, and 0.698 for AW, GF and HW, respectively. The results indicate that the tested smartwatches show a moderate validity in EE estimations for outdoor walking and running.

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 alleviates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by modulating lipid metabolism

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that can progress even when exposure to silica dust has ended. Lipid metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence and development of silicosis. However, the mechanistic details have not been fully elucidated. This was investigated in the current study by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analysis of lung tissue in a mouse model of silicosis. Lipid profiles and key metabolic enzymes were compared between silica and control groups. The lipidomic analysis revealed differentially-expressed lipids in the lungs of silicosis mice compared with controls. Among the identified lipid metabolism-related enzymes, the expression of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) was significantly down-regulated at the transcript and protein levels. LPCAT1 overexpression in vivo using adeno-associated virus altered the balance between phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine and inhibited the development of silicosis in mice. These results indicate that LPCAT1 dysregulation leads to abnormal lipid metabolism and silicosis, and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.