Background As common public facilities essential to daily life, hair and beauty salons frequently contain various airborne toxic and hazardous pollutants potentially leading to adverse health effects for salon practitioners. Objective To characterize the indoor air pollution profiles of common contaminants in hair and beauty salons in Shanghai and to evaluate the associated health risks for practitioners, in order to provide a scientific basis for strengthening the public health management in Shanghai and protecting the health of practitioners. Methods The air quality monitoring data of hair and beauty salons in Shanghai from 2016 to 2024 were obtained from the “Health Hazard Factors Monitoring Program for Public Places” of the National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Monitoring indicators included particulate matter ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5), formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Indicator compliance rates were calculated across various years in accordance with GB 9666-1996 Hygienic standard for barber shop and beauty shop and GB 37488-2019 Hygiene indicators and limit for public places; specifically, PM_2.5 was assessed against the limits stipulated in GB/T 18883-2022 Standards for indoor air quality. A questionnaire survey was conducted among salon practitioners to collect weekly working days and daily working hours. The non-carcinogenic risks associated with inhalation exposure to formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and xylene as well as the carcinogenic risks posed by formaldehyde and benzene were evaluated following WS/T 777-2021 Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical exposure and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inhalation risk model. Results The overall compliance rates of PM₁₀, formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, and toluene in the air of hair and beauty salons in Shanghai from 2016 to 2024 were 92.13%, 96.59%, 96.15%, 94.93%, and 94.97%, respectively; the overall compliance rate of xylene was a little lower (85.92%), and the overall compliance rate of PM_2.5 was 57.18%. The P₅₀ concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and xylene did not exceed the corresponding limits. The P₅₀ of non-carcinogenic risk indicator (hazard quotient, HQ) for formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, toluene, and xylene were <1. The probabilities of non-carcinogenic risk HQ >1 for formaldehyde and xylene were 41.4% and 10.9%, respectively, which were higher than that of other pollutants. The P₅₀ of carcinogenic risk (CR) for formaldehyde and benzene were between 1.0×10⁻⁶ and 1.0×10⁻⁴, while the probabilities of CR >1.0×10⁻⁴ were 16.9% and 14.0%, respectively. Conclusion The overall compliance rate of common pollutant concentrations in the air of hair and beauty salons in Shanghai is high, and the hygienic condition meets the requirements of national standards. The non-carcinogenic health risks posed by formaldehyde and xylene to employees (with formaldehyde being more prominent), as well as the carcinogenic risks associated with formaldehyde and benzene, deserve heightened attention in future health supervision.

Based on latent structure model and association rule analysis, this study investigates the prescription patterns used by professor YANG Zhong-qi in treating hypertension with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and infers the associated TCM syndromes, providing a reference for clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment. The observation window spanned from January 8, 2013, to June 26, 2024, during which qualified herbal decoction prescriptions meeting efficacy criteria were extracted from the outpatient medical record system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and compiled into a standardized database. Statistical analysis of high-frequency herbs included frequency counts and herbal property-channel tropism analysis. Latent structure modeling and association rule analysis were performed using R 4.3.2 and Lantern 5.0 software to identify core herbal combinations and infer TCM syndrome patterns. A total of 2 436 TCM prescriptions were included in the study, involving 263 drugs with a cumulative frequency of 29 783. High-frequency herbs comprised Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Poria, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Puerariae Lobatae Radix, and Alismatis Rhizoma, predominantly categorized as deficiency-tonifying, heat-clearing, and blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs. Latent structure analysis identified 18 latent variables, 74 latent classes, 5 comprehensive clustering models, and 15 core herbal combinations, suggesting that the core syndrome clusters include liver Yang hyperactivity pattern, Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity pattern, phlegm-stasis intermingling pattern, and liver-kidney insufficiency pattern. Association rule analysis revealed 22 robust association rules. RESULTS:: indicate that hypertension manifests as a deficiency-rooted excess manifestation, significantly associated with functional dysregulation of the liver, lung, spleen-stomach, heart, and kidney. Key pathogenic mechanisms involve liver Yang hyperactivity, phlegm-stasis interaction, and liver-kidney insufficiency. Therapeutic strategies should prioritize liver-calming, spleen-fortifying, and deficiency-tonifying principles, supplemented by dynamic regulation of Qi-blood and Yin-Yang balance according to syndrome evolution, alongside pathogen-eliminating methods such as phlegm-resolving and stasis-dispelling. Synergistic interventions like mind-tranquilizing therapies should be tailored to individual conditions.
Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drug Prescriptions ; Latent Class Analysis

ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.

AIM: To investigate the expression of serum growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)and thrombospondin 1(TSP1)in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and discuss their relationship with microvascular injury.METHODS: Totally 102 DR patients were served as DR group and assigned into non proliferative DR group(NPDR group)and proliferative DR group(PDR group)based on the severity of DR lesions. Meantime, 100 patients with simple diabetes were served as control group. Serum indicators of microvascular injury including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), endothelial cells(ECs), endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs), and levels of GDF11 and TSP1 were measured in each group. Pearson method was used to discuss the correlation between GDF11, TSP1 and microvascular injury indicators. Logistic regression was used to discuss the factors that affected the occurrence of DR. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the evaluation value of serum GDF11 and TSP1 for the DR conditions.RESULTS: For the control group, DR group had lower EPCs and GDF11, and higher VEGF, ECs, and TSP1 levels(all P<0.05). The PDR group had lower GDF11 and higher TSP1 than the NPDR group(all P<0.05). Serum GDF11 was negatively related to VEGF and ECs(r=-0.486, -0.511, all P<0.001), and positively related to EPCs(r=0.475, P<0.001). TSP1 was positively related to VEGF and ECs(r=0.579, 0.594, all P<0.001), and negatively related to EPCs(r=-0.505, P<0.001). Moreover, GDF11 and TSP1 were negatively correlated(r=-0.443, P<0.001). The course of T2DM, VEGF, and TSP1 were risk factors for DR, while GDF11 was a protective factor(all P<0.05). The AUC of GDF11, TSP1, and combined diagnosis for PDR conditions was 0.819, 0.822, and 0.915, respectively. The combined diagnosis was better than single diagnosis(Zcombination-GDF11=2.070, P=0.039, Zcombination-TSP1=2.274, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: GDF11 and TSP1 are closely associated with microvascular injury in DR patients and are related to the progression of DR disease, and the combined detection of their serum levels is of clinical value in the assessment of DR disease.

Objective: The treatment of asymmetric maxillary hypoplasia and dental crowding secondary to unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is often challenging.This study introduced an asymmetric tooth-borne distractor in anterior maxillary segmental distraction osteogenesis and used three-dimensional finite element analysis to evaluate its potential for clinical application in cases of asymmetrical maxillary hypoplasia. Methods: A cone-beam computed tomography scan of a late adolescent with UCLP was used to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the teeth and maxillary structures. An asymmetric distractor model was used to simulate conventional distraction osteogenesis and asymmetric distraction osteogenesis (ADO) to evaluate the resultant stress distribution and displacement. Results: Postoperatively, both distraction methods resulted in anterior maxillary segment advancement with a slight upward movement. ADO yielded a greater increase in the dental arch length on the cleft side and induced rotation of the anterior maxillary segment, potentially improving midline deviation. Both methods showed similar stress distributions, with higher stress concentrations on the cleft side. Conclusions ADO may offer clinical advantages in correcting asymmetrical maxillary hypoplasia in patients with UCLP by facilitating asymmetrical expansion and rotation of the maxilla. Further research is needed to generalize these findings to other clinical presentations.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of QIN Sihe's surgical strategy combined with Ilizarov technique in treating foot and ankle deformities on the verge of amputation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 56 patients (62 feet) with foot and ankle deformities on the verge of amputation treated with QIN Sihe's surgical strategy and Ilizarov technique between May 2010 and December 2020. Among them, there were 39 males and 17 females. The age ranged from 8 to 62 years (median, 27.5 years). QIN Sihe's surgical strategy: subcutaneous release or open lengthening of contracted Achilles tendons, limited correction of bony deformities through multiple osteotomies during surgery, tendon transfer to balance the power of the foot and ankle, simultaneous percutaneous osteotomy and correction of tibial torsion deformity to restore the weight-bearing line of the lower extremity, and installation of Ilizarov foot and ankle distraction devices for slow distraction and correction of residual foot and ankle deformities. After removal of external fixation, individualized braces were used for protection during exercise and walking. For patients with bilateral deformities, staged surgeries were performed. The effectiveness was evaluated according to the QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients achieved the preoperative expected orthopedic and functional reconstruction goals. The postoperative wearing time of external fixator was 3-7 months, with an average of 5.5 months. The incidence of pin tract infection during the treatment period was 6.5% (4/62). All patients were followed up 25-132 months (median, 42 months). All 56 patients successfully retained their limbs. At last follow-up, foot and ankle deformities were corrected, the weight-bearing line was basically restored, and plantigrade feet were restored. At last follow-up, according to QIN Sihe's Postoperative Evaluation Criteria for Lower Limb (Foot and Ankle) Deformity Correction and Functional Reconstruction, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 37 cases (39 feet), good in 18 cases (21 feet), and fair in 1 case (2 feet). The excellent and good rate was 96.8% (60/62). CONCLUSION The combination of QIN Sihe's surgical strategy and Ilizarov technique in treating foot and ankle deformities on verge of amputation is minimally invasive, safe, and the therapeutic effect is controllable. This combined approach has unique advantages in preserving limb function and restoring biomechanical balance.
Humans ; Ilizarov Technique ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Amputation, Surgical ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Ankle/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Foot Deformities/surgery* ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Achilles Tendon/surgery* ; Foot/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of correcting post-traumatic equinovarus deformity using Ilizarov external fixation technique combined with limited osteotomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 29 patients with post-traumatic equinovarus deformity treated between July 2018 and March 2023. The cohort included 18 males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 57 years (mean, 24.3 years). All patients exhibited ankylosed ankle joints with equinovarus deformity. During surgery, external fixators were installed according to Ilizarov pinning principles, and minimally invasive osteotomy was performed at the ankle joint. Concurrently, soft tissue release was achieved via minimally invasive Achilles tendon lengthening. Postoperatively, multiplanar deformity correction was accomplished through gradual adjustment of the external fixator. The fixator was removed after bony union at the osteotomy site, followed by bracing. The surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, fixator wear time, and complications were recorded. Postoperative outcomes included assessment of deformity correction and bony union at the osteotomy site. Functional improvement and pain relief were evaluated using pre- and post-operative scores from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: All 29 patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months). The mean surgical duration was 85.6 minutes, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 110 mL. Full deformity correction was achieved within 26-80 days (mean, 40.7 days) through progressive fixator adjustments. At correction completion, all ankles restored to a neutral or 5°-10° dorsiflexed position with plantigrade foot function. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 3 patients (10.3%), resolved with local wound care, enhanced nursing, and oral antibiotics. No deep or systemic infections was observed. One patient sustained a calcaneal half-pin fracture due to a fall during fixator wear, but no bone fragment displacement occurred. No vascular or neurological complication was reported. Complete bony union was achieved at all osteotomy sites without nonunion. At last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from preoperative 42.7±8.7 to postoperative 65.7±9.3, and the VAS score decreased from preoperative 4.5±1.3 to postoperative 2.5±1.1, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Functional outcomes were rated as excellent in 14 cases, good in 13 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 93.1%. CONCLUSION The progressive correction strategy combining Ilizarov external fixation technique with limited foot osteotomy effectively corrects post-traumatic equinovarus deformity while preserving soft tissue integrity. This method is associated with minimal, largely controllable complications and achieves alignment stability and fusion outcomes comparable to traditional open surgery, making it an effective treatment for complex foot and ankle deformities.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Ilizarov Technique ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; External Fixators ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Clubfoot/etiology* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*

Severe hallux valgus, a triplanar foot deformity significantly impairing patients' quality of life, has witnessed progressive advancements in surgical management. This article systematically reviews the therapeutic progress through literature analysis, encompassing modifications of conventional surgical procedures and applications of novel techniques and innovative biomaterials. A critical analysis and discussion of these technological advancements and future developmental directions are presented to provide valuable insights and references for clinical management of severe hallux valgus.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/surgery* ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Orthopedic Procedures/methods*

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a non-invasive sonodynamic therapy that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. Clinical trials have demonstrated that LIPUS ameliorates mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction without adverse events. Histological analysis of the corpus cavernosum suggests that the therapeutic benefits of LIPUS may be attributed to alleviation of fibrosis, enhanced neovascularization, and promotion of innervation. Further investigations have revealed that LIPUS facilitates cavernous tissue repair through non-thermal mechanisms, including a cavitation effect, acoustic streaming, mass transfer enhancement, and direct mechanical stimulation. Mechanobiological transduction triggers molecular signaling cascades within endogenous cavernous cells, thereby stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stem cell differentiation. Although LIPUS has the potential to induce cavernous rehabilitation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms via which LIPUS regulates each type of cavernous cell to determine the optimal parameters for this innovative therapy.
Male ; Humans ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Ultrasonic Therapy/methods* ; Penis/pathology* ; Ultrasonic Waves

OBJECTIVES: To study genotype-phenotype correlations in children with FGFR3 variants and to improve clinical recognition of related disorders. METHODS: Clinical data of 95 patients aged 0-18 years harboring FGFR3 variants, confirmed by whole‑exome sequencing at Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2012 to December 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. Detailed phenotypic characterization was performed for 22 patients with achondroplasia (ACH) and 10 with hypochondroplasia (HCH). RESULTS: Among the 95 patients, 52 (55%) had ACH, 24 (25%) had HCH, 9 (9%) had thanatophoric dysplasia, 3 (3%) had syndromic skeletal dysplasia, 2 (2%) had severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans, and 5 (5%) remained unclassified. A previously unreported FGFR3 variant, c.1663G>T, was identified. All 22 ACH patients presented with disproportionate short stature accompanied by limb dysplasia, commonly with macrocephaly, a depressed nasal bridge, bowed legs, and frontal bossing; complications were present in 17 (77%). The 10 HCH patients predominantly exhibited disproportionate short stature with limb dysplasia and depressed nasal bridge. CONCLUSIONS ACH is the most frequent phenotype associated with FGFR3 variants, and missense variants constitute the predominant variant type. The degree of FGFR3 activation appears to correlate with the clinical severity of skeletal dysplasia.
Humans ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/genetics* ; Child ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Infant ; Adolescent ; Dwarfism/genetics* ; Achondroplasia/genetics* ; Lordosis/genetics* ; Infant, Newborn ; Retrospective Studies ; Genetic Association Studies ; Bone and Bones/abnormalities* ; Phenotype ; Limb Deformities, Congenital