Objectives:QT interval prolongation during treadmill test exercise is one of the clinical feature of patients with long QT syndrome(LQTS).This study aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of treadmill exercise testing as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for LQTS in clinical practice.Methods:We enrolled normal healthy individuals,common cardiovascular disease patients,and clinically diagnosed or suspected LQTS patients,who underwent treadmill exercise test from July 2023 to July 2024 at Fuwai Hospital.A special treadmill exercise testing procedure was designed to record the QT interval correction(QTc)intervals of the twelve lead electrocardiogram at 6 time points when performing the exercise tablet,including supine,sitting,standing,peak exercise,and recovery at 1-minute and 4-minute.The differences in QTc intervals among healthy group,cardiovascular diseases group,and suspected LQTS group were compared.Results:A total of 80 cases were consecutively enrolled,including 37 normal healthy controls,25 patients with common cardiovascular disease,and 18 patients with suspected LQTS.The QTc intervals at 6 points did not differ significantly between normal healthy controls and patients with cardiovascular disease,with QTc intervals less than 480 ms at all measurement.For patients with suspected LQTS,67.7%(12/18)of these patients presented a QTc interval≥480 ms at the 4-minute during recovery period.Among them,5 cases were confirmed to have pathogenic gene mutations of LQTS by genetic testing(including 1 case with a lying electrocardiogram QTc interval of 489 ms diagnosed with LQTS 1 type and a QTc interval of 636 ms during the 4-minute recovery period after exercise);5 clinically diagnosed patients(negative or undetectable in genetic testing)with a Schwartz score≥4,and the remaining 2 patients had a Schwartz score of 3.The remaining 5/18 patients,include 2 patients with clinical Schwartz scores≥4 and 3 patients with clinical suspicion(Schwartz scores 2-3)had a 4 min QTc interval of 445-480 ms during exercise recovery.Another patient with clinical suspicion(Schwartz score 3)had a 4 min QTc interval of<445 ms during exercise recovery and a negative genetic test at a later stage.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 83.3%and specificity of 98.4%for QTc interval≥482 ms during the 4-minute recovery period of exercise as the LQTS diagnostic cutoff.Conclusions:This study results suggest that this special treadmill exercise testing protocol is effective in identifying LQTS and has strong feasibility and generalizability for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Senescent human skin primary fibroblast (FB) models have been established for studying aging-related, proliferative, and inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the transcriptome characteristics of human primary dermal FBs from children and the elderly with four senescence models. METHODS: Human skin primary FBs were obtained from healthy children (FB-C) and elderly donors (FB-E). Senescence models were generated by ultraviolet B irradiation (FB-UVB), D-galactose stimulation (FB-D-gal), atazanavir treatment (FB-ATV), and replication exhaustion induction (FB-P30). Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, co-culturing with immune cells, and bulk RNA sequencing were used for systematic comparisons of the models. RESULTS: In comparison with FB-C, FB-E showed elevated expression of senescence-related genes related to the skin barrier and extracellular matrix, proinflammatory factors, chemokines, oxidative stress, and complement factors. In comparison with FB-E, FB-UVB and FB-ATV showed higher levels of senescence and expression of the genes related to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and their shaped immune microenvironment highly facilitated the activation of downstream immune cells, including T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. FB-P30 was most similar to FB-E in terms of general transcriptome features, such as FB migration and proliferation, and aging-related characteristics. FB-D-gal showed the lowest expression levels of senescence-related genes. In comparisons with the single-cell RNA sequencing results, FB-E showed almost complete simulation of the transcriptional spectrum of FBs in elderly patients with atopic dermatitis, followed by FB-P30 and FB-UVB. FB-E and FB-P30 showed higher similarity with the FBs in keloids. CONCLUSIONS Each senescent FB model exhibited different characteristics. In addition to showing upregulated expression of natural senescence features, FB-UVB and FB-ATV showed high expression levels of senescence-related genes, including those involved in the SASP, and FB-P30 showed the greatest similarity with FB-E. However, D-galactose-stimulated FBs did not clearly present aging characteristics.
Humans ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Cellular Senescence/physiology* ; Skin/metabolism* ; Child ; Transcriptome/genetics* ; Aged ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Cells, Cultured ; Galactose/pharmacology*

Objectives:QT interval prolongation during treadmill test exercise is one of the clinical feature of patients with long QT syndrome(LQTS).This study aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of treadmill exercise testing as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for LQTS in clinical practice.Methods:We enrolled normal healthy individuals,common cardiovascular disease patients,and clinically diagnosed or suspected LQTS patients,who underwent treadmill exercise test from July 2023 to July 2024 at Fuwai Hospital.A special treadmill exercise testing procedure was designed to record the QT interval correction(QTc)intervals of the twelve lead electrocardiogram at 6 time points when performing the exercise tablet,including supine,sitting,standing,peak exercise,and recovery at 1-minute and 4-minute.The differences in QTc intervals among healthy group,cardiovascular diseases group,and suspected LQTS group were compared.Results:A total of 80 cases were consecutively enrolled,including 37 normal healthy controls,25 patients with common cardiovascular disease,and 18 patients with suspected LQTS.The QTc intervals at 6 points did not differ significantly between normal healthy controls and patients with cardiovascular disease,with QTc intervals less than 480 ms at all measurement.For patients with suspected LQTS,67.7%(12/18)of these patients presented a QTc interval≥480 ms at the 4-minute during recovery period.Among them,5 cases were confirmed to have pathogenic gene mutations of LQTS by genetic testing(including 1 case with a lying electrocardiogram QTc interval of 489 ms diagnosed with LQTS 1 type and a QTc interval of 636 ms during the 4-minute recovery period after exercise);5 clinically diagnosed patients(negative or undetectable in genetic testing)with a Schwartz score≥4,and the remaining 2 patients had a Schwartz score of 3.The remaining 5/18 patients,include 2 patients with clinical Schwartz scores≥4 and 3 patients with clinical suspicion(Schwartz scores 2-3)had a 4 min QTc interval of 445-480 ms during exercise recovery.Another patient with clinical suspicion(Schwartz score 3)had a 4 min QTc interval of<445 ms during exercise recovery and a negative genetic test at a later stage.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 83.3%and specificity of 98.4%for QTc interval≥482 ms during the 4-minute recovery period of exercise as the LQTS diagnostic cutoff.Conclusions:This study results suggest that this special treadmill exercise testing protocol is effective in identifying LQTS and has strong feasibility and generalizability for clinical practice.

Objective To measure the air-absorbed dose rate of gamma radiation in public areas for the situation of the local radiation environment. Methods Using a large-volume γ spectrometer system with a NaI(Tl) detector mounted on a UAV, we conducted large-scale airborne radiation monitoring in public areas in southwestern China, to measure the air-absorbed dose rate at a height of 1 m from the earth’s surface. Results The airborne radiation monitoring data were used to analyze the local radiation environment. The mean air-absorbed dose rate at a height of 1 m was 43.6 ± 12.9 nGy/h. Seven abnormal radiation points were detected, and two of them were located where construction was ongoing. At one of the abnormal radiation points, FH40G meter measurements showed that the air-absorbed dose rate at a height of 1 m was up to 22.0 μGy/h. Field soil samples were collected for HPGe γ spectrometer analysis: the ²³²Th radionuclide activity concentration was 96.0 kBq/kg, and the ²²⁶Ra radionuclide activity concentration was 9.9 kBq/kg. Conclusion Using the UAV-mounted large-volume γ spectrometer system with NaI(Tl) detectors for large-scale airborne monitoring is a fast and effective method for dragnet monitoring of the level of radiation in public areas.

Objective:This study aimed to reveal the distribution and course of the branches of the infraorbital nerve(IN),its communication relationship between the branches of the infraorbital nerve and facial nerve,so as to provide morphological basis for clinical implementation of accurate infraorbital nerve trunk in the infraorbital canal,regional facial anesthesia and facial surgery,so as to improve the success rate of maxillofacial surgery.Methods:25 adult cada-vers with formalin immobilized semi-face were selected.Exclude facial defect samples caused by tumor,trauma,deformity,surgery,etc.The length and diameter of the trunk of the infraorbital nerve and the length of the infraorbital canal were measured.The total number of infraorbital nerve and the number of branches were counted,and the course,distribution and communication relationship between infraorbital nerve and facial nerve were investigated.Results:The length of infraorbital nerve trunk ranged from 19.61 to 44.47 mm,with an average length of(23.33±4.95)mm.The length of infraorbital canal ranged from 9.49 to 31.21 mm,with an average length of(12.87±3.99)mm.The number of infraorbital nerve branches ranged from 5 to 12,and the average number was(7.29±2.29).The number of upper labial branches was the widest,ranging from 1 to 5,while the distribution area of eyelid branches was the narrowest.There are(were)a large number of intersections and anastomoses between the infraorbital nerve and the facial nerve,forming a complex multi-layer network structure.Conclusion:The infraorbital nerve trunk and the infraorbital canal va-ry in length.The number and distribution range of infraorbital nerve branches are not constant,and the communication relationship between infraorbital nerve and facial nerve is complicated.

Objective To investigate the effect of Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion on postherpetic neuralgia model rats,and to verify the mechanism of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine balance regulation in central nervous system.Methods 50 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,thread-moxibustion without drugs group,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for blank group,the rat model of postherpetic neuralgia was induced by a single intrapitoneal injection of resin-toxin(RTX).After successful modeling,each group was given corresponding treatment for 21 days.The Mechanical Pain Threshold(PWT)and Thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were detected 3 days before modeling,1,4 and 7 days after modeling,and 3,7,14 and 21 days after intervention.After the intervention,extract spinal cord tissue,Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in the proportion of Th1/Th2/Th17 cells;The mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were detected by qPCR;The positive expressions of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were observed by immunohistochemistry.The protein expressions of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were detected by Western blot to elucidate the regulation effect of this therapy on the equilibrium mechanism.Results After intrapitoneal injection of resin-toxin,the PWT of rats showed a downward trend,while the TWL showed an upward trend,showing the separation of heat and pain,which was consistent with the clinical manifestations of PHN.After Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion therapy,PWT increased and TWL decreased in PHN rats,which reduced the separation trend of heat and pain.Thread-moxibustion without drugs group,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group can promote Th1 response in the central nervous system(spinal cord),increase the proportion of CD4+IL-2+cells and the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the spinal cord tissue,and up-regulate the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA and protein.Meanwhile,Th2 and Th17 responses in the central nervous system were inhibited,and the proportions of CD4+IL-4+and CD4+IL-17A+cells and the contents of IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 in the spinal cord tissue were reduced.The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were down-regulated.In addition,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group had similar efficacy in correcting Th1/Th2/Th17 lymphocyte imbalance in the central nervous system,and both were better than the Thread-moxibustion without drugs group.Conclusion Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion can improve the separation trend of heat and pain in postherpetic neuralgia rats,which may be achieved by regulating Th1/Th2/Th17 cell balance and related cytokine levels.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pre-infusion of hypertonic saline on the postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. Seventy-six patients of both sexes, aged≥60 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, who underwent elective shoulder arthroscopic surgery under brachial plexus block combined with general anesthesia from June 2022 to January 2023 in our hospital, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=38 each) by the random number table method: hypertonic saline group and normal saline group. At 30 min before anesthesia induction, 3% hypertonic saline of 4 ml/kg was intravenously infused in hypertonic saline group, and normal saline 4 ml/kg was intravenously infused in normal saline group. The occurrence of intraoperative cerebral desaturation events was recorded. Venous blood samples were collected at 24 h postoperatively, and the plasma concentrations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and S-100β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of neutrophil CD11b was detected by flow cytometry. Rey auditory verbal learning test, trail making test, digit symbol substitution test, and stroop color-word test were performed at 1 day before surgery and 5 days after surgery, and the postoperative cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the Z-score method. Results:Compared with normal saline group, the concentrations of plasma IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and S-100β and expression of neutrophil CD11b were significantly decreased in hypertonic saline group, and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction and cerebral desaturation events was decreased in hypertonic saline group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Pre-infusion of hypertonic saline can reduce inflammatory responses and improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is currently the most common hair loss disease, which is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and manifests itself as miniaturization of hair follicles around the top of the head and frontotemporal region, which eventually leads to hair reduction or disappearance. The pathogenesis of AGA is closely related to a variety of signaling pathways, which include the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, bone-forming protein (BMP) signaling pathway, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway, hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, and so on. Several cytokines are involved in these signaling pathways, including β-catenin, BMP2, IGF-1, and FGF5. An in-depth study of AGA-related signaling pathways and related cytokines can help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of AGA, provide a certain theoretical basis for the discovery of new signaling pathways, and provide a new research direction for the treatment of AGA.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is currently the most common hair loss disease, which is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and manifests itself as miniaturization of hair follicles around the top of the head and frontotemporal region, which eventually leads to hair reduction or disappearance. The pathogenesis of AGA is closely related to a variety of signaling pathways, which include the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, bone-forming protein (BMP) signaling pathway, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway, hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, and so on. Several cytokines are involved in these signaling pathways, including β-catenin, BMP2, IGF-1, and FGF5. An in-depth study of AGA-related signaling pathways and related cytokines can help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of AGA, provide a certain theoretical basis for the discovery of new signaling pathways, and provide a new research direction for the treatment of AGA.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of pre-injection of young rat plasma on cognitive dysfunction after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in aged rats and the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18 months, weighing 600-650 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=18 each) by the random number table method: control group (group C), cerebral I/R group (group IR), pre-injection of young rat plasma group (group P) and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group (group LY). In group P and group LY, young rat plasma 100 μl/time was injected via the tail vein. In group C and group IR, the equal volume of normal saline was injected via the the tail vein, 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Then the model of cerebral I/R injury was developed under sevoflurane anesthesia in IR, P and LY groups. LY294002 0.3 mg/kg was injected through the tail vein at 1 h before anesthesia in LY group. The neurological deficit score (Longa score) was performed at 24 h after reperfusion, and then 6 rats were randomly sacrificed, and brain tissues were obtained to determine the cerebral infarct volume. Spontaneous mobility and anxiety-like behavior were assessed by the open field test at day 29 of reperfusion, and cognitive function was assessed by the novel object recognition test at day 30 of reperfusion. At the end of the behavioral test, rats were sacrificed, hippocampal tissues were isolated for determination of the expression of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), postsynaptic dense protein-95 (PSD-95) and synaptic vesicle protein (SYN) (by Western blot), and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Results:There was no significant difference in motor speed, distance traveled, and time of staying at the center of the open field among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly increased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were decreased in IR, P and LY groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly decreased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were increased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was up-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were increased in group P ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group LY ( P>0.05). Compared with group P, Longa score and cerebral infarct volume were significantly increased, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, PSD-95 and SYN in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated, and the dendritic length and dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons were decreased in group LY ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Pre-injection of young rat plasma can attenuate cognitive dysfunction after cerebral I/R in aged rats, and the mechanism is related to activation of hippocampal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improvement in synaptic plasticity.