Assessment of tumor biomarkers for prognosis in interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease: a prospective study.

Background: There is uncertainty with respect to the baseline tumor markers and clinical outcomes for patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD). The study aimed to assess the association between baseline tumor markers and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) and prognosis.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study.

Heavy metal poisoning caused by Chinese folk remedies in psoriasis patients: a retrospective analysis.

Psoriasis, characterized as a chronic relapsing disease with a protracted course, often drives patients to seek relief through Chinese folk remedies (CFR). Nonetheless, the complex compositions of these remedies frequently result in unintended adverse effects, notably various types of heavy metal poisoning. Our study involved an exhaustive collection and analysis of clinical data from psoriasis patients who developed heavy metal poisoning due to CFR usage, admitted to Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from January 2011 to October 2023.

Integrative transcriptomics and proteomics analysis reveal the protection of Astragaloside IV against myocardial fibrosis by regulating senescence.

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a pivotal pathological process implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus, possesses potent cardioprotective properties. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-MF effects, particularly in relation to senescence, remain elusive.

Effect of pueraria on left ventricular remodelling in HFrEF: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease globally, posing a significant burden on healthcare and society. Left ventricular remodelling is the primary pathology responsible for HFrEF development and progression, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Pueraria, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and food, is commonly used in China to treat HFrEF.

The incidence of malignancies in asbestosis with chrysotile exposure: a large Chinese prospective cohort study.

Background: Asbestos exposure is closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignancies. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and potential risk factors in a cohort of asbestosis patients in China.

Methods: The incidence of malignancies was determined in patients who had been exposed to chrysotile asbestos and diagnosed with asbestosis sequentially at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019.

Pulmonary sarcoid-like granulomatosis induced by aluminum dust: A case report and literature review.

Case Report: We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with 27 months of exposure to aluminum dust and silica owing to polishing processing. The patient was admitted to our hospital with intermittent cough and expectoration. Chest high-resolution computed tomography showed diffuse ill-defined centrilobular nodules and patchy ground-glass opacities in bilateral lungs.

Yiqi Huayu decoction alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting senescence.

In treating pulmonary fibrosis (PF), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has received much attention, but its mechanism is unclear. The pharmacological mechanisms of TCM can be explored through network pharmacology. However, due to its virtual screening properties, it still needs to be verified by or experiments.

Qige Huxin Formula Attenuates Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Protecting Intestinal Integrity.

Background: The composition and metabolic activities of gut microbiota are strongly interconnected with cardiac fibrosis (CF) and heart failure (HF). Qige Huxin formula (QHF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation originating from a classical Fangji Huangqi decoction, has been widely used to clinically treat HF for decades. However, it is still unclear whether QHF alleviates CF by modulating gut microbiota and intestinal integrity.

Toxic Nephropathy Secondary to Chronic Mercury Poisoning: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

Introduction: Kidney disease secondary to mercury poisoning has not been well documented and is often misdiagnosed and mistreated.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with having mercury poisoning over a 6-year period between July 2013 and June 2019. Demographics, clinical measures, renal pathologic examinations, treatments, and outcomes were compared between patients with kidney disease and those without kidney disease.

Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice Modulating Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites.

Aim: Gut microbiota is of crucial importance to cardiac health. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a main active ingredient of Huangqi, a traditional edible and medicinal herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac fibrosis (CF). However, it is still uncertain whether the consumption of AS-IV alleviates cardiac fibrosis through the gut microbiota and its metabolites.

Small airway dysfunction in pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Although several histological studies have documented airway inflammation and remodelling in the small airways of dust-exposed workers, little is known regarding the prevalence and risk factors of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in pneumoconiosis. The present study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of spirometry-defined SAD in pneumoconiosis and assessed the risk factors for associated with SAD.

Methods: A total of 1255 patients with pneumoconiosis were invited to participate, of whom 1115 patients were eligible for final analysis.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of Yiqi Rougan decoction in reducing CCl-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Background: Liver fibrosis develops from various chronic liver diseases, and there is currently a lack of specific treatment strategies. Yiqi Rougan decoction (YQRG) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has shown durative effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis; however, the mechanism associated with YQRG-related improvements in liver fibrosis remains to be experimentally determined. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of YQRG on carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its molecular mechanism.

Add-On Effect of Honeysuckle in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread to become a global emergency since December 2019. Chinese herbal medicine plays an important role in the treatment of COVID-19. Chinese herbal medicine honeysuckle is an extremely used traditional edible and medicinal herb.

Add-on effect of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic since its outbreak in Wuhan, China. It is an urgent task to prevent and treat COVID-19 effectively early. In China's experience combating the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has played an indispensable role.

Cobalt-related interstitial lung disease or hard metal lung disease: A case series of Chinese workers.

Hard metal lung disease (HMLD) is rarely diagnosed and is caused by the occupational inhalation of hard metal dust, mainly cobalt. The diagnosis of HMLD is based on a thorough occupational dust exposure combined with clinical-radiological-histological findings. We present a series of four Chinese workers who had occupational exposure to cobalt acid lithium or cobalt and tungsten dust.

Ascorbic acid supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of people's living standards and changes in dietary structure, the incidence of diabetes is gradually increasing. Studies have shown that ascorbic acid supplementation can reduce blood glucose, increase insulin synthesis and secretion, improve insulin resistance, and reduce the occurrence and development of complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Rare cases of severe life-threatening lead poisoning due to accident or chronic occupational exposure to lead and manganese: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Background: Chronic long-term, low-dose environmental and occupational exposure to lead (Pb) has been extensively studied in large cohorts worldwide among general populations, miners, smelters, or battery workers. However, studies on severe life-threatening Pb poisoning due to accidental or chronic occupational exposure to Pb and manganese (Mn) were rarely reported.

Methods: We present one case of acute severe Pb poisoning and compare it with another severe chronic occupational exposure case involving Pb and Mn.

Exacerbation of Nanoparticle-Induced Acute Pulmonary Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Nanotechnology has the capacity to revolutionize numerous fields and processes, however, exposure-induced health effects are of concern. The majority of nanoparticle (NP) safety evaluations have been performed utilizing healthy models and have demonstrated the potential for pulmonary toxicity. A growing proportion of individuals suffer diseases that may enhance their susceptibility to exposures.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes is increasing rapidly, and 5% to 10% of prediabetic patients will develop diabetes every year. Diabetes causes major health problems as well as a large economic burden. Human studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetes.

The effect of zinc supplementation in pre-diabetes: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The number of people with diabetes and pre-diabetes is growing exponentially. Human studies have shown that zinc supplementation is beneficial for pre-diabetes. However, owing to the low quality, small sample size, and methodological heterogeneity of these studies, this conclusion is not convincing.

Utility of brain CT for predicting delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) is a serious complication that occurs several days or weeks after carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. This study identified computed tomography (CT) findings in the prediction of DEACMP development. Adults with CO poisoning admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Shenyang Ninth People's Hospital, Shanxi Second People's Hospital and Shandong Provincial Hospital in China from January 2013 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.

[Genetic analysis of a family affected with pulmonary hypertension secondary to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia].

Objective: To carry out genetic testing for a family affected with pulmonary hypertension (PH) as the initial sign of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Methods: High throughput sequencing was performed to detect potential mutation in the coding regions of endoglin (ENG), activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) genes.

Results: A pathogenic heterozygous c.

Serum concentrations of Krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein D, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with asbestosis and silicosis: a case-control study.

Background: Asbestosis and silicosis are progressive pneumoconioses characterized by interstitial fibrosis following exposure to asbestos or silica dust. We evaluated the potential diagnostic biomarkers for these diseases.

Methods: The serum concentrations of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein D (SP-D), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-7, and MMP-9 were measured in 43 patients with asbestosis, 45 patients with silicosis, 40 dust-exposed workers (DEWs) without pneumoconiosis, and 45 healthy controls (HCs).