Background: and Purpose Essential tremor with a midline distribution (Mid-ET) may represent a distinct subtype of essential tremor (ET) that primarily affects midline structures, often indicating advanced disease stage and increased severity. Recent studies have highlighted the complexity of Mid-ET, but research on neurological soft signs (NSS) in Mid-ET remains insufficient. Methods: The patients with ET included in this cross-sectional study were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not the ET had a midline distribution: Mid-ET and No-MidET. Comparative analyses were performed to assess clinical features and NSS prevalence in these subgroups. Results: Among 1,160 patients, 567 (48.9%) were Mid-ET and 593 (51.1%) were No-Mid-ET.The prevalence rates of head, face (including the jaw), and voice tremors were 31.9%, 23.0%, and 25.8%, respectively. In Mid-ET, tremor often affects multiple midline structures simultaneously. In the entire cohort, 24.7%, 16.6%, and 7.6% of patients exhibited tremors in one, two, and three midline structures, respectively. The prevalence of common NSS, including mild cognitive impairment, impaired tandem gait, and questionable dystonic posturing, was significantly higher in the Mid-ET than the No-Mid-ET subgroup (all p<0.001). Furthermore, we found that female sex (p<0.001), olfactory dysfunction (p=0.003), and questionable dystonic posturing (p=0.004) were associated with Mid-ET. Conclusions Mid-ET and No-Mid-ET presented significant clinical differences. The presence of questionable dystonic posturing may contribute to the distinct characteristics of Mid-ET, suggesting the presence of pathophysiological differences between the subgroups. Further investigations are warranted to determine the potential pathophysiological link between NSS and Mid-ET.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of lead exposure in the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and to provide new insights for the mechanism of lead impact on vascular lesions. MethodsMouse aortic smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) were divided into a control group (0 μmol·L^-1), low concentration lead groups (0.1, 1, 5, and 10 μmol·L^-1), and high concentration lead groups (15, 25, and50 μmol·L^-1). MTT assays were used to assess the proliferation of the cells, and scratch assays were implicated to measure migration ability of the cells. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was employed to determine levels of mRNA expression for smooth muscle actin α (α⁃SMA), smooth muscle 22 alpha (SM22α), synthetic phenotype-related genes osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and the transcription factor SOX9. Immunoblotting was used to determine levels of protein expression for α-SMA, OPN, and MMP9. ResultsProliferation of MOVAS was observed under the lead ions concentrations of 0‒50 µmol·L^-1, with a significant increase of proliferation compared to the control group at the concentrations of 5‒50 µmol·L^-1 (all P<0.05). The migration ability of cells gradually increased at the concentrations of 0‒10 µmol·L^-1, with a significant increase at 5 (q=4.574, P=0.003) and 10 µmol·L^-1 (q=10.570, P<0.001) compared to the control group. The 10 µmol·L^-1 lead ions significantly reduced the levels of mRNA expression for vascular smooth muscle contractile phenotype genes α⁃SMA (q=7.426, P<0.001) and SM22α (q=4.766, P=0.001), while significantly increasing the levels of mRNA expression for OPN (q=11.330, P<0.001), MMP9 (q=7.842, P<0.001), and SOX9 (q=11.120, P<0.001) genes. Furthermore, the 10 µmol·L^-1 lead ions significantly reduced the levels of protein expression for the vascular smooth muscle contractile phenotype marker α-SMA protein (q=2.897, P=0.049), while significantly increasing the levels of protein expression for the synthetic markers OPN (q=3.188, P=0.031) and MMP9 (q=3.292, P=0.026), compared to the control group. ConclusionTreatment with lead in vitro induced VSMC to differentiate from contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype, indicating that a certain dose of lead exposure might be detrimental to the cardiovascular system.

Background: and Purpose Essential tremor with a midline distribution (Mid-ET) may represent a distinct subtype of essential tremor (ET) that primarily affects midline structures, often indicating advanced disease stage and increased severity. Recent studies have highlighted the complexity of Mid-ET, but research on neurological soft signs (NSS) in Mid-ET remains insufficient. Methods: The patients with ET included in this cross-sectional study were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not the ET had a midline distribution: Mid-ET and No-MidET. Comparative analyses were performed to assess clinical features and NSS prevalence in these subgroups. Results: Among 1,160 patients, 567 (48.9%) were Mid-ET and 593 (51.1%) were No-Mid-ET.The prevalence rates of head, face (including the jaw), and voice tremors were 31.9%, 23.0%, and 25.8%, respectively. In Mid-ET, tremor often affects multiple midline structures simultaneously. In the entire cohort, 24.7%, 16.6%, and 7.6% of patients exhibited tremors in one, two, and three midline structures, respectively. The prevalence of common NSS, including mild cognitive impairment, impaired tandem gait, and questionable dystonic posturing, was significantly higher in the Mid-ET than the No-Mid-ET subgroup (all p<0.001). Furthermore, we found that female sex (p<0.001), olfactory dysfunction (p=0.003), and questionable dystonic posturing (p=0.004) were associated with Mid-ET. Conclusions Mid-ET and No-Mid-ET presented significant clinical differences. The presence of questionable dystonic posturing may contribute to the distinct characteristics of Mid-ET, suggesting the presence of pathophysiological differences between the subgroups. Further investigations are warranted to determine the potential pathophysiological link between NSS and Mid-ET.

Background: and Purpose Essential tremor with a midline distribution (Mid-ET) may represent a distinct subtype of essential tremor (ET) that primarily affects midline structures, often indicating advanced disease stage and increased severity. Recent studies have highlighted the complexity of Mid-ET, but research on neurological soft signs (NSS) in Mid-ET remains insufficient. Methods: The patients with ET included in this cross-sectional study were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not the ET had a midline distribution: Mid-ET and No-MidET. Comparative analyses were performed to assess clinical features and NSS prevalence in these subgroups. Results: Among 1,160 patients, 567 (48.9%) were Mid-ET and 593 (51.1%) were No-Mid-ET.The prevalence rates of head, face (including the jaw), and voice tremors were 31.9%, 23.0%, and 25.8%, respectively. In Mid-ET, tremor often affects multiple midline structures simultaneously. In the entire cohort, 24.7%, 16.6%, and 7.6% of patients exhibited tremors in one, two, and three midline structures, respectively. The prevalence of common NSS, including mild cognitive impairment, impaired tandem gait, and questionable dystonic posturing, was significantly higher in the Mid-ET than the No-Mid-ET subgroup (all p<0.001). Furthermore, we found that female sex (p<0.001), olfactory dysfunction (p=0.003), and questionable dystonic posturing (p=0.004) were associated with Mid-ET. Conclusions Mid-ET and No-Mid-ET presented significant clinical differences. The presence of questionable dystonic posturing may contribute to the distinct characteristics of Mid-ET, suggesting the presence of pathophysiological differences between the subgroups. Further investigations are warranted to determine the potential pathophysiological link between NSS and Mid-ET.

Objective To explore the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology in chromosomal aberration (CA) analysis for occupational health surveillance of radiation workers and in biological dose estimation during nuclear emergency responses. Methods Peripheral blood samples from healthy volunteers were irradiated in vitro with X-rays and cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) γ rays. Chromosome slides were prepared using an automated harvesting and dropping device. The data training and outcome evaluation of CA analysis was performed on the AI software using chromosome images from occupational medical examination of radiation workers from the current lab or chromosome slides from blood samples irradiated with X-rays. The trained AI software was then used to assist in CA analysis and biological dose estimation among occupational medical examination of radiation workers, with results compared with manual reading and actual exposure doses. Results The trained AI software achieved a CA recognition accuracy of 95.11%. In the occupational health examination of radiation workers, the positive CA detection rate using AI + manual review was 2.25% higher than that in manual reviewing alone. The errors in biological dose estimation for ⁶⁰Co γ rays and X-rays using AI + manual review analysis were 11.86% and 7.33%, respectively, both within the acceptable 20.00% error margin. Conclusion AI + manual review can be effectively applied in CA analysis for occupational health examination and biological dose estimation during nuclear emergencies, significantly improving analysis efficiency.

This study aims to investigate the potential of oncolytic nanoparticles encapsulating Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21) full-genome mRNA (CVA21@ONP) to resurrect CVA21 and induce apoptosis in host cells, as well as the antitumor immune effects of CVA21@ONP in immunocompetent tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. We used lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to encapsulate CVA21 full-genome mRNA, thus preparing CVA21@ONP. The killing efficacy of CVA21@ONP was determined by the plaque assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and the apoptosis in HT29 and CT26-iRFP cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Mice were administrated with CVA21@ONP at high and low doses intratumorally, and the growth of tumors expressing infra-red fluorescent protein (iRFP) was monitored. Additionally, the types and changes of immune cells in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that CVA21@ONP successfully resurrected CVA21 in both HT29 and U87MG cells. The plaque assay revealed robust killing effects of CVA21@ONP against both human and murine cell lines, and flow cytometry results showed increased early and late apoptotic cells. Notably, intratumoral detection revealed significantly down-regulated expression of iRFP in both high- and low-dose CVA21@ONP groups. Flow cytometry results further indicated that CVA21@ONP treatment effectively reduced the levels of immunosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), in the spleen, while enhancing T cell-dependent antitumor immune responses. These findings suggest that CVA21@ONP can replicate and survive extensively both in vitro and in vivo, activating the immune system of mice administrated with CVA21@ONP to target cells at the tumor site, thereby remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment and accelerating the suppression or even complete regression of tumors. The oncolytic performance of CVA21@ONP has been verified through intratumoral injection administration in this study, aimed at further exploring its therapeutic potential and promoting the development of the field of tumor treatment.
Animals ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Humans ; Apoptosis ; Oncolytic Viruses/genetics* ; Oncolytic Virotherapy/methods* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; RNA, Messenger/genetics* ; HT29 Cells

Objective To estimate the biological dose in a patient who developed radiation dermatitis after a local X-ray exposure incident. Methods Peripheral blood samples, which were used to performed lymphocyte chromosome aberration analysis, were collected from the patient at 54 and 102 days after the last exposure. Biological dose in the patient was estimated using four published X-ray dose-effect calibration curves for chromosomal aberrations. The absorbed dose in the patient was reconstructed using Dolphin′s model and time correction factors. Results The abnormal rates of chromosome aberration at 54 and 102 days after exposure were 1.00% and 0.40%, respectively. Based on the four calibration curves, the estimated local exposure dose at 54 day ranged from 3.59 to 10.51 Gy, and the time-corrected whole-body equivalent dose ranged from 0.27 to 0.87 Gy. The local dose estimated at 102 days ranged from 2.24 to 6.64 Gy, with a time-corrected whole-body equivalent dose of 0.12 to 0.60 Gy, which differed from the day-54 estimates. The biological doses estimated by both methods were lower than the physical dose (29.43 Gy). Conclusion The estimation of local biological dose of patient various in four dose-effect curves selected in this study. Delayed blood sampling will lead to underestimate biological dose. Early blood collection after radiation incidents is critical to ensure accuracy and reliability. Moreover, biological dose reconstruction methods for complex exposure scenarios require further research to improve the accracy of emergency response in radiation accidents.

AIM:To investigate the impact of Bruton tyrosine kinase(BTK)on Alzheimer disease(AD)-like pathology through the NIMA(never in mitosis gene A)-related kinase 7(NEK7)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization do-main-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.METHODS:5xFAD and wild-type(WT)mice aged 2,4 and 6 months were utilized to assess the expression of BTK,NEK7 and NLRP3 proteins in the hippocampus and cortex via Western blot and immunofluorescence.Co-immunofluorescence was conducted to identify the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3 in the brains of 4-month-old mice.Three-month-old mice were divided into a control group and an ibrutinib treatment group,receiving intraperitoneal injections of ibrutinib(10 mg/kg)or solvent for 14 d,and were then subjected to behavioral as-sessments including learning and memory tests using the Morris water maze and Y-maze.Wild-type mice were induced with an AD model by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ42.Morris water maze tests were performed after 14 d to eva-luate learning and memory,followed by measurement of BTK protein levels in the brain via Western blot.BV2 microglial cells were treated with ibrutinib,followed by LPS or Aβ42 stimulation.Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein levels of NEK7,NLRP3,BTK and p-BTK(Y223),while immunofluorescence was used to assess the protein expression of ASC,caspase-1,NEK7 and NLRP3.RESULTS:The levels of BTK,NEK7 and NLRP3 in the brains of 5×FAD mice were significantly elevated compared to WT mice,with observed interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3 in the 5xFAD mouse brains.Ibrutinib treatment significantly improved learning and memory functions in mice compared to the AD group.In BV2 cells,pre-treatment with ibrutinib effectively suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and NEK7 proteins in response to Aβ42 stimulation.CONCLUSION:BTK plays a regulatory role in AD-like pathology through the NEK7-NLRP3 pathway both in vivo and in vitro.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and clinical effects of unilateral superior gluteal artery perforator propeller flap combined with contralateral centripetal advancement flap in repairing huge pressure ulcers in the sacrococcygeal region.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From June 2020 to April 2023, 15 patients with stage Ⅳ pressure ulcers with sacrococcygeal defect area greater than 10.0 cm×10.0 cm who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 8 males and 7 females, aged from 30 to 86 years. The pressure ulcers before debridement were all accompanied by different degree of infection and necrosis. Debridement and negative pressure sealing and irrigation treatment were performed in stage Ⅰ. After debridement, the skin and soft tissue defect area was 12.0 cm×10.5 cm to 20.0 cm×17.0 cm. After the wound bed infection was controlled, unilateral superior gluteal artery perforator propeller flap combined with contralateral centripetal advancement flap was used to repair the pressure ulcer wounds in stage Ⅱ. The perforator flap area was 12.0 cm×7.0 cm to 16.0 cm×10.5 cm. The donor area wound was sutured directly. After operation, the survival, complications, and wound healing of flap donor area were observed. During regular follow-up, the recurrence of pressure ulcers, the appearance and texture of the flap, and the scars in the donor site were observed.Results:After operation, 1 patient had fluid accumulation under the flap and survived after drainage and dressing change. The flaps of the other patients survived well without infection, local necrosis, and sinus formation under the flap. The wounds in the donor area healed well. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months, and there was no recurrence of pressure ulcers. The appearance of the flap was not bloated, the texture was soft, and the compression resistance and elasticity were good. The donor site wound healed well without obvious scar.Conclusions:The surgical method of repairing giant sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers with unilateral superior gluteal artery perforator propeller flap combined with contralateral centripetal advancement flap is simple and easy to operate. It can repair large defect area with the donor area being sutured directly, which is worthy of clinical promotion.