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The staggered work hours (SWH) policy is a practical strategy for managing travel demand, aiming to spread out the temporal distribution of travel volume by adjusting the schedules of travelers' activities. The influence of the SWH policy on the commuting patterns of passengers using bus transit is not yet clear. We addressed this issue in a many-to-one bus line, treating commuters as Q-learning agents learning to minimize regrets by selecting appropriate bus runs. The learning outcomes reveal a SWH-induced equilibrium, where commuters departing from the same station with the same work start time experience identical minimal commuting costs, regardless of the chosen bus. Subsequently, we investigate the effectiveness of SWH policy by manipulating two key control variables: the division of travel demand between two categories of travelers and the staggered time interval. The results confirm that congestion during peak hours can potentially be mitigated by carefully selecting the above two key parameters. Correspondingly, we provide optimal control boundaries for these two parameters to design an effective SWH policy. Furthermore, we explore the combined impact of physical distancing and SWH policy on traffic flow patterns during an epidemic outbreak. Concurrently, we assess the infection risk through a surrogate index, revealing that the SWH policy has a positive effect in mitigating the risk of contact exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional method of relieving boarding congestion is to reduce aisle and seat conflicts by optimizing the boarding strategy. Here, we focus on another way of smoothing the passenger flow for a novel cabin installed with side-slip seats. Three aspects are discussed in this work. First, we explore the characteristics of fast boarding sequences that benefit most from side-slip seats using a simulated annealing algorithm. Second, we introduce three alternative strategies and evaluate their efficiencies using a realistic aircraft boarding model. The result shows that the boarding time could be largely reduced by adopting the new strategies. Sensitivity analyses also imply that side-slip seats are tolerable to the number of inexperienced passengers who are unfamiliar with the side-slip seats. Besides, the infection risk is also discussed as a function of ticket validation time at the check desk. Third, a boarding assistant system is designed to implement the proposed strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of iron-loaded sludge biochar (ISBC) on the Cr enrichment capacity of Leersia hexandra swartz (L. hexandra) in hydroponic tests was investigated at different Cr treatment levels (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L). The results showed that the plant height and biomass of L. hexandra were significantly increased with the rise of ISBC dose (p < 0.01), while the Cr content in L. hexandra showed a significant downward trend (p < 0.01). However, the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra was significantly increased as ISBC dose was raised (p < 0.01), which was attributed to the significant improvement of its biomass. According to Cr accumulation capacity, the appropriate ISBC dose was recommended to be 50 g/L for all Cr treatment levels. Compared to the control (no ISBC; 0.105 mg, 0.167 mg and 0.193 mg), the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra at different Cr treatment levels were increased by 77.40%, 59.72% and 88.41%, respectively. The comparative analysis throughout the test cycle indicated that the addition of ISBC could convert more Cr(VI) to Cr(III), which was beneficial to the biomass and the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra. Meanwhile, the relationship between changes in the concentrations of NH 4 +, PO 4 3− and K+ and the incremental biomass of L. hexandra was well described by the Logistic model, while the relationship between changes in their concentrations and the Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra also followed this model well. Moreover, their effects were found throughout the test, while the contribution of Ca2+ was mainly at the beginning and end of the test. In summary, the enhancement of ISBC on Cr accumulation capacity of L. hexandra was attributed to detoxification and fertilizer supply. • ISBC was able to significantly promote the growth of L. hexandra (p < 0.01). • ISBC enhanced Cr accumulation (CA) of L. hexandra due to its increase of biomass. • ISBC at 50 g/L increased CA by 77.40%, 59.72% and 88.41% at different Cr treatment. • ISBC converted more Cr(VI) to Cr(III), resulting in increased biomass and CA. • NH 4 +, PO 4 3−, K+ and Ca2+ from ISBC facilitated the enhancement of biomass and CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work offers a novel approach to prepare manganese oxides with heterointerface structure as a superior catalyst for the catalytic combustion of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 with heterointerfaces were prepared via annealing δ-MnO 2 precursors which were obtained from the redox precipitation between HCl and KMnO 4. The characterization results indicate that the heterointerface structure of α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 optimizes energy level structure and provides abundant surface defects, showing superior low-temperature reducibility and preferable mobility of oxygen species. Such features significantly enhance the catalytic activity of the α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 with heterointerfaces catalysts for the complete oxidation of toluene (the toluene conversion rates of 10 % and 90 % are 191 °C and 213 °C, respectively). Moreover, the catalysts show high stability for 50 h. The presented catalysts disclose an avenue to address current obstacles in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs. The α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 sample with heterointerfaces was successfully prepared and had superior catalytic activity for toluene combustion. [Display omitted] • A facile synthesis strategy of α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 with heterointerface is proposed. • α-MnO 2 /δ-MnO 2 heterostructure displays excellent catalytic combustion for toluene. • Heterointerfaces optimize energy level structure and create surface defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The holding strategy performs well in resisting bus bunching in the dedicated bus route. Yet, its efficiency in a non-dedicated bus route has not been well studied, and its external effects on other road participants are unclear. We study this topic in a circular two-lane traffic system consisting of buses and cars. A cellular automaton model is used to depict the vehicles' dynamic behaviors. By numerical simulations, we obtained the phase diagram of the bus system, and identified the four states concerning the stability and level of service. Then we analyzed the flow and velocity characteristics and distinguished three states of the traffic system. Our simulations prove the separation effect of car flows on the bus headway regulation. Combined with this effect, the holding strategy makes the bus running more homogeneous and the bus utilization more evenly in the mixed traffic flow condition. Interestingly, from a macro perspective, the holding strategy incurs no detrimental effects on the whole traffic system, though it might intensify local interference between buses and cars near bus stops. Under certain conditions, the average speed of buses and cars increases, eventually increasing the system's capacity. • Interference between buses and cars in mixed traffic flow conditions is analyzed. • Bus operating states with and without the holding are investigated. • The bus line characters and traffic conditions determine the holding effeteness. • External effects of the bus holdings on the car flows are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) is effective in the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mechanism by which P. ginseng exerts cardioprotective effects is complex. P. ginseng contains many pharmacologically active ingredients, such as molecular glycosides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. P. ginseng and each of its active components can potentially act against myocardial I/R injury. Myocardial I/R was originally a treatment for myocardial ischemia, but it also induced irreversible damage, including oxygen-containing free radicals, calcium overload, energy metabolism disorder, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, microvascular injury, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study aimed to clarify the protective effects of P. ginseng and its active ingredients against myocardial I/R injury, so as to provide experimental evidence and new insights for the research and application of P. ginseng in the field of myocardial I/R injury. This review was based on a search of PubMed, NCBI, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception to February 21, 2022, using terms such as "ginseng," "ginsenosides," and "myocardial reperfusion injury." In this review, we first summarized the active ingredients of P. ginseng , including ginsenosides, ginseng polysaccharides, and phytosterols, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial I/R injury. Importantly, preclinical models with myocardial I/R injury and potential mechanisms of these active ingredients of P. ginseng for the prevention and treatment of myocardial disorders were generally summarized. P. ginseng and its active components can regulate oxidative stress related proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis factors, while protecting the myocardium and preventing myocardial I/R injury. Therefore, P. ginseng can play a role in the prevention and treatment of myocardial I/R injury. P. ginseng has a certain curative effect on myocardial I/R injury. It can prevent and treat myocardial I/R injury in several ways. When ginseng exerts its effects, should be based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and with the help of modern medicine; the clinical efficacy of P. ginseng in preventing and treating myocardial I/R injury can be improved. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green polyvinyl alcohol/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PVA/PLGA) composite materials were developed by dissolving PVA and PLGA in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), followed by the subsequent layout of PVA/PLGA/HFIP liquid film and the removal of HFIP. Interestingly, the PVA/PLGA composite materials display remarkedly enhanced tensile strength, elongation at break, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Systematic investigations have been completed to reveal the effects of PVA/PLGA mass ratio on the tensile strength, elongation at break, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Meanwhile, the morphology, crystallinity and chemical structure of the PVA/PLGA material and possible interaction between PVA and PLGA are also investigated using scanning electron micrograph, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 gene variants have been found to cause NAFLD with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile. Aims: To investigate the effects of the NAFLD risk alleles on the all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in 5581 Chinese adults. Methods: The genome‐wide genotypes were detected using a genotyping array and serum lipoprotein profiles were examined using 1H NMR platform. Liver fat content (LFC) was measured using a quantitative ultrasound method. The vital status was determined using official registration data. Results: Genome‐wide association analysis showed that a series of variants in PNPLA3 were associated with LFC, including rs738409 C>G variant (P = 8.6 × 10−7). Further analyses validated the associations of TM6SF2 rs58542926 C>T and MBOAT7 rs641738 C>T variants with NAFLD. During 29 425.1 person‐years of follow‐up, the overall mortality was 816 per 100 000 person‐years, where 299 deaths were attributable to cardiovascular disease and 85 to liver disease. The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G variant was independently associated with increased liver‐specific mortality (P for trend = 0.034) but reduced cardiovascular mortality (P for trend = 0.047). A composite genetic‐predisposition score of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and MBOAT7 risk alleles presented similar opposite effects on liver‐specific and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, interactions of the NAFLD risk alleles with adiposity for liver‐specific mortality were found (Pinteraction < 0.05). The reduced serum VLDL1 concentration was responsible for the increased liver‐specific mortality related to NAFLD risk alleles. Conclusion: The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G variant and its combination with TM6SF2 rs58542926 C>T and MBOAT7 rs641738 C>T variants increase liver‐specific mortality but reduce cardiovascular mortality in overweight/obese Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Generally, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size can be inferred from the LDL cholesterol concentration to total apolipoprotein B concentration ratio (LDL-C/ApoB ratio, hereinafter called LAR), which is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the predictive ability of LAR for mortality risk in the general population is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between LAR and cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality among American adults. Methods: The present study was a secondary analysis of existing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The final analysis included 12,440 participants from 2005 to 2014. Survival differences between groups were visualized using Kaplan‒Meier curves and the log-rank test. The association of LAR with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analysis. Age, sex, coronary artery disease, diabetes, lipid-lowering medication use and hypertriglyceridemia were analyzed in subgroup analyses. Results: The median age in the study cohort was 46.0 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31.0–62.0], and 6,034 (48.5%) participants were male. During the follow-up period, there were 872 (7.0%) all-cause deaths and 150 (1.2%) cardiovascular deaths. Compared with individuals without cardiovascular events, those who experienced cardiovascular deaths had a lower LAR (1.13 vs. 1.25) (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox regression model indicated that lower LAR was an independent risk factor for both cardiovascular [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.304, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.114–0.812] and all-cause mortality (HR = 0.408, 95% CI: 0.270–0.617). Moreover, a significant age interaction was observed (P for interaction < 0.05), and there was a strong association between LAR and mortality among participants over 65 years of age. Further analysis showed an inverse association between LAR and both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Conclusions: LAR can independently predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective·Previous studies showed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection caused outstanding changes in host lipoproteins. However, there are no reports on such component changes of lipoprotein subfractions. This study aimed to quantify the HBV-caused changes in the serum lipoprotein subfractions and their components. Methods·Hepatitis B surface antigen-positive [HBsAg (+ )] patients at Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from March to June 2017 were included (n=40), and 40 HBsAg-negative [HBsAg (-)] population were matched as controls. Serum lipoprotein subfractions and their components were quantified by using 1H-NMR. Orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), variance analysis between the two groups, logistic regression analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were conducted to reveal the lipoprotein changes in chronic HBV patients against controls. Results·HBsAg (+) population had significantly lower levels in most lipoprotein subfractions than HBsAg (-) population. After adjustments for age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease, the levels of total VLDL, VLDL1-VLDL3, IDL, HDL4, non-HDL and their components were protective factors for HBV infection (OR < 1, P < 0.01). In contrast, VLDL5-(TAG/LP) was a risk factor for HBV infection (OR > 1, P < 0.01). In addition, the severity of inflammation in the HBsAg (+) population was negatively correlated with the levels of lipids in HDL4 with correlation coefficient ranging from -0.71 to -0.51 (P≤ 0.002). Six lipoprotein subfractions were obtained through feature screening, and the AUC of HBV infection diagnosis model was 0.861. Conclusion·HBV infection causes significant changes in liver-excretion of lipoproteins and their circulation metabolism; the lipoprotein phenotypes can differentiate HBV-infected patients from controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the gut bacteriome, mycobiome and serum metabolome profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with normal/overweight individuals and evaluate a potential microbiota-related diagnostic method development for PCOS, 16S rRNA and ITS2 gene sequencing using 88 fecal samples and 87 metabolome analysis from serum samples are conducted and PCOS classifiers based on multiomics markers are constructed. There are significant bacterial, fungal community and metabolite differences among PCOS patients and healthy volunteers with normal/overweight individuals. Healthy individuals with overweight/obesity display less abnormal metabolism than PCOS patients and uniquely higher abundance of the fungal genus Mortierella. Nine bacterial genera, 4 predicted pathways, 11 fungal genera and top 30 metabolites are screened out which distinguish PCOS from healthy controls, with AUCs of 0.84, 0.64, 0.85 and 1, respectively. The metabolite-derived model is more accurate than the microbe-based model in discriminating normal BMI PCOS (PCOS-LB) from normal BMI healthy (Healthy-LB), PCOS-HB from Healthy-HB. Featured bacteria, fungi, predicted pathways and serum metabolites display higher associations with free androgen index (FAI) in the cooccurrence network. In conclusion, our data reveal that hyperandrogenemia plays a central role in the dysbiosis of intestinal microecology and the change in metabolic status in patients with PCOS and that its effect exceeds the role of BMI. Healthy women with high BMI showed unique microbiota and metabolic features.The priority of predictive models in discriminating PCOS from healthy status in this study were serum metabolites, fungal taxa and bacterial taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing incidence of obesity has led to widespread attention in the exploration of natural ingredients. Ginseng polysaccharides (PGP), the main components from Panax ginseng , have been reported potential effect to attenuate obesity and regulate lipid metabolism. In this study, we found that PGP inhibited the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain, fat ratio and fat tissue weight after 8-week administration. Serum and liver lipid analysis showed that PGP decreased the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol, which was mediated by the inhibition of key genes for fatty acid and cholesterol metabolisms. Metabolomics studies showed that the inhibitory effect of PGP on liver lipid accumulation was significantly correlated with its regulation of citric acid cycle and lysine degradation. PGP regulated the expression of genes related to lysine degradation in both liver tissue and hepatocytes. In addition, PGP reshaped the composition of fecal microbiota at the genus and species levels in obese mice. Spearman's correlation analysis demonstrated that Staphylococcus sciuri , Staphylococcus lentus , and Pseudoflavonifractor sp. An85 may be the potential targets that PGP maintains the abundance of l -lysine against obesity. It concluded that PGP can attenuate obesity and liver lipid accumulation by regulating fecal microbiota and hepatic lysine degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent retention time (t R) of metabolites is vital for identification in metabolomic analysis with ultrahigh-performance liquid-chromatography (UPLC). To minimize inter-experimental t R variations from the reversed-phase UPLC-MS, we developed an endo genous r etention- i ndex (endoRI) using in-sample straight-chain acylcarnitines with different chain-length (L C , C0–C26) without additives. The endoRI-corrections reduced the t R variations caused by the combined changes of mobile phases, gradients, flow-rates, elution time, columns and temperature from up to 5.1 min–0.2 min for most metabolites in a model metabolome consisting of 91 metabolites and multiple biological matrices including human serum, plasma, fecal, urine, A549 cells and rabbit liver extracts. The endoRI-corrections also reduced the inter-batch and inter-platform t R variations from 1.5 min to 0.15 min for 95 % of detected features in the above biological samples. We further established a quantitative model between t R and L C for predicting t R values of acylcarnitines when absent in samples. This makes it possible to compare metabolites' t R from different t R databases and the UPLC-based metabolomic data from different batches. [Display omitted] • An endo genous r etention- i ndex derived from in-sample acylcarnitines for minimizing inter-experimental t R variations in metabolomics with RPLC-MS. • The endoRI-correction reduced inter-batch t R variations to below 0.2 min for metabolites in multiple biological samples. • A mathematical model enables accurate prediction of t R for acylcarnitines with no standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy of different androgens measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in representing hyperandrogenemia and to evaluate adrenal-origin androgens with a dexamethasone suppression test in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: One hundred and two patients with PCOS and 41 healthy volunteers were recruited and total serum testosterone (TT), androstenedione (AD), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured by LC-MS/MS. ROC analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of different androgens in representing hyperandrogenemia. Dexamethasone suppression test was performed in 51 patients with PCOS and above indicators were measured after dexamethasone administration. The prediction efficacy of DHEA and DHEA-S at baseline in the dexamethasone suppression test was evaluated with ROC analysis. Results: The AUCs of TT, AD, free androgen index (FAI) and DHEA-S in ROC analysis for representing hyperandrogenemia were 0.816, 0.842, 0.937 and 0.678, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of TT was 0.337 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 72.0% and specificity of 82.93%. The optimal cutoff value for AD was 1.309 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 73.17%. The optimal cutoff value of the FAI was 2.50, with a sensitivity of 87.0% and specificity of 92.68%. Alternatively, AD or FAI more than the optimal cutoff values as evidence of hyperandrogenemia had the highest sensitivity of 91.18%. The levels of cortisol, DHEA and DHEA-S were all suppressed to narrow ranges after dexamethasone administration. Nine and 8 of 51 patients with PCOS had significant decreases in TT and AD, respectively. DHEA can be used as a indicator for predicting significant decrease of TT in dexamethasone suppression test with cutoff value of 13.28 ng/ml. A total of 27.5% (14/51) of patients had DHEA-S excess, but only 1 of 9 patients who had a significant decrease in TT had elevated level of DHEA-S at baseline. Conclusions: AD measured by LC-MS/MS can represent hyperandrogenemia in PCOS patients and, combined with TT or FAI, can improve the screening efficiency of hyperandrogenemia. Seventeen percent of PCOS patients had adrenal-origin androgen dominance, with TT significantly decreasing after 2 days of dexamethasone administration. Adrenal-origin androgen dominance was not parallel with DHEA-S excess in patients with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SHBG in predicting insulin resistance (IR) in newly diagnosed, untreated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hundred newly diagnosed, untreated patients with PCOS and 61 subjects without PCOS (41 healthy volunteers with normal BMI and 20 subjects with overweight/obese) were included in the study. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of SHBG in predicting IR in overweight/obese and non-overweight PCOS patients and the optimal cut-off values of SHBG. The results showed negative correlations between log-SHBG and log-I0 (r = − 0.372, P < 0.001) and log-SHBG and log-Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = − 0.393, P < 0.001) after adjusting for blood pressure, serum lipid, age, and body mass index (BMI) in all of the PCOS patients. In patients with IR (defined as HOMA-IR ≥2.29), the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of the SHBG for ROC analysis in the non-overweight group, overweight/obese group, and all PCOS patients were 0.774 (P = 0.0001), 0.922 (P = 0.0001), and 0.885 (P = 0.0001), respectively. The optimal cut-off value of SHBG was 37 nmol/L with a sensitivity of 97.62% and specificity of 80.85% in the overweight group. In patients with IR (HOMA-IR ≥2.5), the AUCs of SHBG for ROC analysis in the non-overweight group, overweight/obese group, and all PCOS patients were 0.741 (P = 0.0003), 0.928 (P = 0.0001), and 0.880 (P = 0.0001), respectively. The optimal cut-off value of SHBG was 30.2 nmol/L with a sensitivity of 97.44% and specificity of 82.69% in the overweight/obese group. In conclusion, this study observed a negative correlation between SHBG and HOMA-IR in PCOS patients after adjustment of confounding factors. SHBG was an independent influential factor of HOMA-IR and can be used as a positive predictive marker for IR in PCOS patients, especially in those who are overweight/obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly c -disordered hexagonal birnessite possessing abundant out-of-layer oxygen vacancies demonstrated enhanced catalytic performance toward ozone decomposition. [Display omitted] • The in-layer oxygen vacancy (V O) and the out-of-layer V O were identified on the c -disordered birnessites. • The out-of-layer V O was more abundant with the increase of c -disordering. • Compared to the in-layer V O , the out-of-layer V O was more advantageous to O 3 decomposition. Ozone pollution has long been a hazard to human health and ecosystems. Manganese oxides have been intensively investigated for O 3 decomposition, but improving the catalytic activity and stability of MnO x remains challenging. Herein, hexagonal birnessites with varying degrees of c -disordering were synthesized and showed strikingly different catalytic activities. As the degree of c -disordering increase, the highly disordered birnessite (HDB) possessed the highest content of oxygen vacancies (V O) and thus demonstrated the superior catalytic activity. The HDB remained a high O 3 conversion efficiency of 96% even after reaction for 24 h at a high space velocity of 600,000 mL·g−1·h−1 and under the relative humidity of 50%. At the same time, HDB could be easily regenerated after heating for 1 h at 200 °C under air atmosphere. We found two different types of V O (the in-layer V O and the out-of-layer V O) on the c -disordered birnessites, and the out-of-layer V O was more stable than the in-layer V O. The out-of-layer V O was beneficial to desorption of the intermediate O 2 2– and reduced the competitive adsorption of H 2 O, which accounted for the enhanced catalytic stability of HDB. This work may provide guidance for the V O engineering in metal oxides toward the catalytic purification of waste gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory diseases mainly include asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer. Given their high prevalence and poor prognosis, the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases are increasingly essential. In particular, the development for the novel strategies of drug treatment has been a hot topic in the research field. Ginsenosides are the major component of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng), a food homology and well-known medicinal herb. In this review, we summarize the current therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides in respiratory diseases. The reviewed studies were retrieved via a thorough analysis of numerous articles using electronic search tools including Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. The following keywords were used for the online search: ginsenosides, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), lung fibrosis, lung cancer, and clinical trials. We summarized the findings and the conclusions from 176 manuscripts on ginsenosides, including research articles and reviews. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, and CK, which are the most commonly reported ginsenosides for treating of respiratory diseases, and other ginsenosides such as Rh1, Rk1, Rg5, Rd and Re, all primarily reduce pneumonia, fibrosis, and inhibit tumor progression by targeting NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK pathways, thereby ameliorating respiratory diseases. This review provides novel ideas and important aspects for the future research of ginsenosides for treating respiratory diseases. [Display omitted] • 176 papers were reviewed for ginsenosides in the treatment of respiratory diseases. • Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rh2, and CK are commonly for treating respiratory diseases. • The NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK pathways are molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax spp. (Araliaceae family) are widely used medicinal plants and they mainly include Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Panax quinquefolium L. (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (notoginseng). Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients in these plants and have demonstrated diverse pharmacological functions, but comparisons of isolation methods, structural features, and bioactivities of these polysaccharides have not yet been reported. This review summarizes recent advances associated with 112 polysaccharides from ginseng, 25 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 36 polysaccharides from notoginseng and it compares the differences in extraction, purification, structural features, and bioactivities. Most studies focus on ginseng polysaccharides and comparisons are typically made with the polysaccharides from American ginseng and notoginseng. For the extraction, purification, and structural analysis, the processes are similar for the polysaccharides from the three Panax species. Previous studies determined that 55 polysaccharides from ginseng, 18 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 9 polysaccharides from notoginseng exhibited anti-tumor activity, immunoregulatory effects, anti-oxidant activity, and other pharmacological functions, which are mediated by multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, or redox balance pathways. This review can provide new insights into the similarities and differences among the polysaccharides from the three Panax species, which can facilitate and guide further studies to explore the medicinal properties of the Araliaceae family used in traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]