Cold Stimulation Research Articles

Circulating HHIP Levels in Women with Insulin Resistance and PCOS: Effects of Physical Activity, Cold Stimulation and Anti-Diabetic Drug Therapy.

Serum human hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) concentration is associated with diabetes. However, the relationship between HHIP and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or abnormal sex hormones remains unknown. This study was an observational cross-sectional study, with additional short-term intervention studies and follow-up studies. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the association of PCOS with metabolic-related genes and signaling pathways. OGTT and EHC were performed on all participants. Lipid infusion, cold exposure, and 45-min treadmill test were performed on all healthy women. A total of 137 women with PCOS were treated with metformin, GLP-1RA, or TZDs for 24 weeks. Serum HHIP levels were higher in insulin resistance (IR) and PCOS women. Circulating HHIP levels were significantly correlated with adiponectin (Adipoq) levels, obesity, IR, and metabolic indicators. A correlation presented between HHIP and DHEA-S, FAI, SHBG, and FSH. Serum HHIP levels were significantly elevated by oral glucose challenge in healthy women, but not affected by EHC. Lipid infusion decreased serum HHIP levels, while cold exposure increased HHIP levels in healthy women. GLP-1RA and TZD treatment reduced serum HHIP levels in PCOS women, while metformin treatment did not affect HHIP levels. HHIP may be a useful biomarker and novel drug target for PCOS and IR individuals.

Effects of Qi-Fu-Yin on aging of APP/PS1 transgenic mice by regulating the intestinal microbiome.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and closely related to aging. Qi-Fu-Yin is widely used to treat dementia, but its anti-aging effects is unknown. We used 11-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice for behavioral tests to observe the changes in cognitive function and age-related symptoms after Qi-Fu-Yin treatment. Fecal samples were collected for 16sRNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Differences among the groups of intestinal microbiota and the associations with aging and intestinal microbiota were analyzed based on the results. Here we found that Qi-Fu-Yin improved the ability of motor coordination, raised survival rate and prolonged the survival days under cold stress stimulation in aged APP/ PS1 transgenic mice. Our data from 16sRNA and metagenomic sequencing showed that at the Family level, the intestinal microbiota was significantly different among wild-type mice, APP/PS1 transgenic mice and the Qi-Fu-Yin group by PCA analysis. Importantly, Qi-Fu-Yin improved the functional diversity of the major KEGG pathways, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and major virulence factors in the intestinal flora of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Among them, the functions of eight carbohydrate-active enzymes (GT2_Glycos_transf_2, GT4, GT41, GH2, CE1, CE10, CE3, and GH24) and the functions of top three virulence factors (defensive virulence factors, offensive virulence factors and nonspecific virulence factors) were significantly and positively correlated with the level of grasping ability. We further indicated that the Qi-Fu-Yin significantly reduced the plasma levels of IL-6. Our results indicated that the effects of Qi-Fu-Yin anti-aging of APP/PS1 transgenic mice might be through the regulation of intestinal flora diversity, species richness and the function of major active enzymes.

Comparison of brown adipose tissue activation detected by infrared thermography in men with vs without metabolic syndrome

BackgroundBrown adipose tissue (BAT) high density of mitochondria and its thermogenic characteristics promote the dissipation of chemical energy in the form of heat, increasing body caloric expenditure, decreasing plasma levels of lipids and glucose (GL). This makes BAT a potential therapeutic target of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Position Emission Tomography Scanning (PET-CT) is the gold standard for estimating BAT, but it has several limitations, including high cost and high emission of radiation. On the other hand, Infrared Thermography (IRT) is considered a simpler, cheaper and non-invasive method to detect BAT. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare BAT activation through IRT and cold stimulation in men diagnosed without and with MetS. MethodsSample of 124 (35.3 ± 9.4 years old) men was evaluated of body composition, anthropometric measurements and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) hemodynamics, biochemical tests and body skin temperature acquisition. The Student t-test with subsequent effect size by (d) Cohen and two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparisons were conducted. Level of significance was p < 0.05. ResultsThere was significant interaction between group factor (MetS) vs group moment (BAT activation) in supraclavicular skin temperatures right side (maximum (F(1,122) = 10.4, p < 0.002, η2 = 0.062), mean (F(1.122) = 13.0, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.081) and minimal (F(1,122) = 7.9, p < 0.006, η2 = 0.052)) and left side maximum (F(1,122) = 7.7, p < 0.006, η2 = 0.048), mean (F(1.122) = 13.0, p < 0.037, η2 = 0.007) and minimal (F(1,122) = 9.8, p < 0.002, η2 = 0.012)). The MetS risk factor group didn't present significant increase of SCV temperature BAT after cold stimulation. ConclusionMen diagnosed with MetS risk factors seem to activate less BAT, when exposed to cold stimulation, compared to group without MetS risk factor.

Appropriate cold stimulation changes energy distribution to improve stress resistance in broilers.

Appropriate cold stimulation can improve stress resistance in broilers and alleviate the adverse impacts of a cold environment. To investigate the effects of intermittent mild cold stimulation (IMCS) on energy distribution in the livers of broilers, 96 healthy 1-d-old Ross-308 male broilers were randomly divided into the control group (CC) and the cold stimulation group (H5). The CC group was raised at a normal thermal temperature, i.e., 35 °C until 3 d, after which the temperature was dropped gradually by 0.5 °C/d until 20 °C at 33 d. This temperature was maintained until 49 d. The H5 group was raised at the same temperature as the CC group until 14 d (35 to 29.5 °C) and at 3 °C below the temperature of the CC group starting at 0930 hours for 5 h every other day from 15 to 35 d (26 to 17°C). The temperature was returned to 20 °C at 36 d and maintained until 49 d. At 50 d, all broilers were subjected to acute cold stress (ACS) at 10 °C for 6 and 12 h. We found that IMCS had positive effects on production performance. Using transcriptome sequencing of the broiler livers, 327 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, and highly enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation, and the pyruvate metabolism pathway. When compared to the CC group, the mRNA levels of ACAA1, ACAT2, ACSL1, CPT1A, LDHB, and PCK1 in the H5 group were increased at 22 d (P < 0.05). The LDHB mRNA level was upregulated in the H5 group at 29 d compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). After 21 d of IMCS (at 36 d), the mRNA expression levels of ACAT2 and PCK1 were found to be significantly increased in the H5 group compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). Seven days after the IMCS had ended (at 43 d), the mRNA levels of ACAA1, ACAT2, and LDHB in the H5 group were higher than in the CC group (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HSP90, and HSP110 in the H5 group were higher than in the CC group after 6 h of ACS (P < 0.05). The protein levels of HSP70 and HSP90 in the H5 group were downregulated after 12 h of ACS, compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). These results indicated that IMCS at 3 °C lower than the normal temperature could improve energy metabolism and stress resistance in the livers of broilers, alleviate the damage of short-term ACS on broilers, help broilers adapt to the low temperature, and maintain stable of energy metabolism in the body.

Canine, mouse, and human transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels show different sensitivity to menthol or cold stimulation.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a nonselective cation channel that is activated by a variety of stimuli and acts as a nociceptor. Mouse and human TRPA1 exhibit different reactivity to some stimuli, including chemicals such as menthol as well as cold stimuli. The cold sensitivity of TRPA1 in mammalian species is controversial. Here, we analyzed the reactivity of heterologously expressed canine TRPA1 as well as the mouse and human orthologs to menthol or cold stimulation in Ca2+-imaging experiments. Canine and human TRPA1 exhibited a similar response to menthol, that is, activation in a concentration-dependent manner, even at the high concentration range in contrast to the mouse ortholog, which did not respond to high concentration of menthol. In addition, the response during the removal of menthol was different; mouse TRPA1-expressing cells exhibited a typical response with a rapid and clear increase in [Ca2+]i ("off-response"), whereas [Ca2+]i in human TRPA1-expressing cells was dramatically decreased by the washout of menthol and [Ca2+]i in canine TRPA1-expressing cells was slightly decreased. Finally, canine TRPA1 as well as mouse and human TRPA1 were activated by cold stimulation (below 19-20°C). The sensitivity to cold stimulation differed between these species, that is, human TRPA1 activated at higher temperatures compared with the canine and mouse orthologs. All of the above responses were suppressed by the selective TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031. Because the concentration-dependency and "off-response" of menthol as well as the cold sensitivity were not uniform among these species, studies of canine TRPA1 might be useful for understanding the species-specific functional properties of mammalian TRPA1.

Comparison of Vantej and Dente 91 Toothpastes in the Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a prevalent and distressing dental condition characterised by acute, transient pain or discomfort arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, such as variations in temperature, mechanical stimuli, or consumption of acidic or sweet foods. Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) impacts daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and oral hygiene practices. Dentifrices are commonly used in the treatment of hypersensitivity, as they relieve sensitivity by obstructing nerve pathways through the formation of compounds. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two types of desensitising toothpastes, Vantej and Dente 91, in treating DH. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients who had a minimum of two hypersensitive teeth. The clinical investigation took place in a dental set-up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July to August 2022. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups (20 in each group) in a 1:1 ratio for the Vantej and Dente 91 groups. Over a four-week period, the patients were instructed to use the prescribed toothpaste twice daily. DH assessment techniques included a Verbal Response Scale (VRS), air blast stimulation, and cold stimulation, both at baseline and after the four-week duration. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with the significance level set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The fourth-week scores compared to baseline scores for the verbal scale, air blast stimulus, and cold sensitivity methods in both groups showed a reduction in DH. In the inter group comparison, the Dente 91 group exhibited greater effectiveness compared to the Vantej group, with a significant reduction in VRS (p=0.02) and air blast stimulus (p=0.01), but not in cold sensitivity (p=0.09). Conclusion: Both Vantej and Dente 91 toothpastes significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity. However, the percentage reduction was higher in the latter group, suggesting more effective management of DH. Dente 91 could be considered a promising alternative to the existing over-the-counter desensitising toothpastes.

Research progress on adaptive modifications of the gut microflora and regulation of host glucose and lipid metabolism by cold stimulation

Abstract The gut microflora is a combination of all microbes in intestine and their microenvironment, and its change can sensitively reflect the relevant response of the body to external environment and remarkably affect body's metabolism as well. Recent studies have found that cold exposure affects the body's gut microflora, which can lead to changes in the body's metabolism of glucose and lipid. This review summarizes recent research on the effects of cold exposure on gut microbes and metabolism of glucose and lipid, aiming to provide some new ideas on the approaches and measures for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

Dietary full-fat rice bran prevents the risk of heart ferroptosis and imbalance of energy metabolism induced by prolonged cold stimulation.

The threat to human health from cold stimulation is increasing due to the frequent occurrence of temperature extremes. It is a challenge for people to resist the negative effects of prolonged cold stimulation on the heart. In this study, we created prolonged cold stimulation pig models to investigate the cardiac energy metabolism and injury during prolonged cold stimulation, and the molecular mechanisms by which dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran reduces cardiac injury. The results showed that lesions in the morphological structure of the heart were detected under prolonged cold stimulation. At the same time, dystrophin was downregulated under the effect of prolonged cold stimulation. Cardiac fatty acid transport and utilization were promoted, and oxidative stress was increased under prolonged cold stimulation. It also increased MDA content and decreased T-AOC level in the heart, while promoting the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and NQO1, as well as the protein content of Nrf2 and HO-1. Prolonged cold stimulation induced mitochondrial lesions, mitochondrial fusion, and mitophagy in the heart. Prolonged cold stimulation promoted the mRNA expression of PTGS2, TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3, and IL-1β; and protein expression of PTGS2, NLRP3, and mature-IL-1β. GCH1 and FtH inhibited by prolonged cold stimulation caused the activation of heart ferroptosis. In addition, dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran improved oxidative stress in the heart and inhibited mitophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. In conclusion, prolonged cold stimulation heightens the risk of cardiac ferroptosis and imbalance of energy metabolism, whereas dietary supplementation with full-fat rice bran mitigates the adverse effects of prolonged cold stimulation on the heart.

Preserved distraction analgesia but greater impact of pain on task performance in older adults compared with younger subjects.

In this study, we compared two working memory conditions to study the analgesic effect of a distraction in elderly vs young people and the effect of pain on performance on the distracting task. Younger (n=27) and older (n= 34) subjects performed 1- and 2-Back working memory tasks, representing low and high cognitive loads, respectively. Infrequent, brief hot nociceptive and cold non-nociceptive stimulations were delivered 100 ms before visual N-Back stimuli. Contact heat-evoked and cold-evoked potentials (N2P2 component) were analyzed in the absence of cognitive tasks and during the N-Back tasks. We compared the pain and cold intensity ratings and reaction times in trials preceded by nociceptive and cold stimulations and in trials not preceded by thermal stimulations between groups and between N-Back conditions. In both groups, performing the 1- and 2-Back working memory tasks reduced the perceived intensity of nociceptive and cold stimuli. In elderly subjects performing 2-Back memory tasks, response times to trials after nociceptive stimulation were longer than those to trials after cold or non-stimulation. By contrast, thermal stimulations had no effect on reaction times in young subjects. The amplitude of the N2P2 component was lower in the older than in the younger group in the absence of a cognitive task. In the older group, N-Back tasks had no effect on the N2P2 amplitude, whereas they reduced N2P2 amplitude in the young. Distraction analgesia is preserved in elderly subjects. However, this successful pain modulation seems to be accompanied by performance costs in the distracting tasks.

Piezo1-pannexin-1-P2X3 axis in odontoblasts and neurons mediates sensory transduction in dentinal sensitivity.

According to the "hydrodynamic theory," dentinal pain or sensitivity is caused by dentinal fluid movement following the application of various stimuli to the dentin surface. Recent convergent evidence in Vitro has shown that plasma membrane deformation, mimicking dentinal fluid movement, activates mechanosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP)/Piezo channels in odontoblasts, with the Ca2+ signal eliciting the release of ATP from pannexin-1 (PANX-1). The released ATP activates the P2X3 receptor, which generates and propagates action potentials in the intradental Aδ afferent neurons. Thus, odontoblasts act as sensory receptor cells, and odontoblast-neuron signal communication established by the TRP/Piezo channel-PANX-1-P2X3 receptor complex may describe the mechanism of the sensory transduction sequence for dentinal sensitivity. To determine whether odontoblast-neuron communication and odontoblasts acting as sensory receptors are essential for generating dentinal pain, we evaluated nociceptive scores by analyzing behaviors evoked by dentinal sensitivity in conscious Wistar rats and Cre-mediated transgenic mouse models. In the dentin-exposed group, treatment with a bonding agent on the dentin surface, as well as systemic administration of A-317491 (P2X3 receptor antagonist), mefloquine and 10PANX (non-selective and selective PANX-1 antagonists), GsMTx-4 (selective Piezo1 channel antagonist), and HC-030031 (selective TRPA1 channel antagonist), but not HC-070 (selective TRPC5 channel antagonist), significantly reduced nociceptive scores following cold water (0.1ml) stimulation of the exposed dentin surface of the incisors compared to the scores of rats without local or systemic treatment. When we applied cold water stimulation to the exposed dentin surface of the lower first molar, nociceptive scores in the rats with systemic administration of A-317491, 10PANX, and GsMTx-4 were significantly reduced compared to those in the rats without systemic treatment. Dentin-exposed mice, with somatic odontoblast-specific depletion, also showed significant reduction in the nociceptive scores compared to those of Cre-mediated transgenic mice, which did not show any type of cell deletion, including odontoblasts. In the odontoblast-eliminated mice, P2X3 receptor-positive A-neurons were morphologically intact. These results indicate that neurotransmission between odontoblasts and neurons mediated by the Piezo1/TRPA1-pannexin-1-P2X3 receptor axis is necessary for the development of dentinal pain. In addition, odontoblasts are necessary for sensory transduction to generate dentinal sensitivity as mechanosensory receptor cells.

Effect of intermittent mild cold stimulation on intestinal immune function and the anti-stress ability of broilers

A total of 240 healthy 1-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups (CS0 group, CS3 group, and CS6 group), with 5 replicates in each group and 16 broilers in each replicate, in order to evaluate the effects of intermittent mild cold stimulation (IMCS) on the intestinal immune function and anti-cold stress ability of broilers after acute cold stress. The mRNA expression levels of cytokines and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the duodenum and jejunum were detected at the end of cold stimulation (36 d), 2 wk after recovery (50 d), and after acute cold stress (Y6). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) were measured before and after acute cold stress. The experimental data were statistically processed using 1-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparisons. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of IL2, IL8, IFN γ, TLR7, and TLR21 in the duodenum and IL2 and IFNγ in jejunum were significantly higher in the CS6 group than in the CS0 and CS3 groups at 36 d (P < 0.05). All TLR levels in the jejunum were significantly lower in the CS3 group than in the CS0 and CS6 groups at 36 d (P < 0.05). After 6 h of acute cold stress, in the duodenum, the mRNA expression levels of IL6 and IL8 were significantly decreased in the CS0 and CS6 groups compared to levels at 50 d (P < 0.05), while levels in the CS3 group remained stable (P > 0.05). Compared with 50 d, the expression level of HSP mRNA in the jejunum in the CS3 group was relatively stable compared to that in the CS0 and CS6 groups after acute cold stress (P > 0.05). At the protein level, the HSP60 expression level in the duodenum and HSP40, HSP60, and HSP70 expression levels in the jejunum were significantly higher in the CS3 group than in the CS0 and CS6 groups after acute cold stress (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cold stimulation training at 3℃/3 h lower than the conventional feeding temperature can improve the intestinal immune function and anti-stress ability of broilers.

Contemporary understanding of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease in cold area

Abstract The management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in cold areas is an important task in the daily practice of primary medical and health institutions. An important way to reduce the burden of CKD is to achieve early identification of and implement timely intervention on the relevant risk factors. Studies have shown that diet, alcohol, tobacco, air, sedentary and other factors in cold areas have negative impacts on human kidneys; yet, our current understanding of the effect of cold stimulation on CKD remains blurry. This paper introduces the research progress of risk factors related to CKD in cold areas and analytically summarizes the pathogenesis of CKD caused by cold stimulation, aiming to provide a reference work for the prevention, screening, evaluation, and management of CKD in cold areas.

Corona virus disease 2019-associated liver injury in cold regions

Abstract The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a global health and economic crisis. Our studies uncovered that in addition to respiratory symptoms, liver damage is also common in COVID-19 patients; however, the cause of liver damage has not been fully elucidated. In this article, we summarize the clinical manifestations and pathological features of COVID-19 reported in published relevant studies and delineate the etiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19-related liver injury. We speculate that cold stimulation may be associated with COVID-19-related liver injury, which should be considered in clinical decision-making and treatment of COVID-19 in cold regions.

Bilateral changes in corneal sensitivity after unilateral corneal infections

AbstractOcular infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis result in ocular sensitivity changes. During acute HSV episodes and eventually during postherpetic outbreaks, spontaneous pain and hyperalgesia are experienced, being reduced by treatment with Na+ channel blockers (not only by local anaesthetics but also by gabapentin, lacosamide or amitriptyline). At the same time, patients commonly develop hypoesthesia due to the decrease of sensitivity to mechanical stimulation, whose appearance could be due to the internalization of Na+ channels in trigeminal sensory neurons innervating the infected cornea.When explored using a gas esthesiometer that allows selective mechanical, chemical, heat and cold stimulation, HSV‐infected corneas showed those sensitivity disturbances to be expected when corneal polymodal nociceptor activity is altered. On the contrary, sensitivity to cold stimuli is not modified, which suggest that cold thermosensitive ocular neurons are not infected by the virus. A surprising result is the alteration, in the same sense although to a lesser degree, of the sensitivity of the contralateral eye. This contralateral altered sensitivity could be caused by a subclinical HSV infection of the contralateral side. Another possibility is that to be due to a neuroimmune interaction that ends up affecting the activity of sensory nerves of both eyes, in a similar way to what happens in non‐infectious inflammatory processes affecting only one eye.(PID2020‐115934RB‐I00 from DOI: MCIN/AEI/10.13039/50110001103)

Isolation and characterization of wheat ice recrystallisation inhibition gene promoter involved in low temperature and methyl jasmonateresponses.

It is well known that plant growth, development, survival and geographical distribution are constrained by extreme climatic conditions, especially extreme low temperature. Under cold stress, cold-inducible promoters were identified as important molecular switches to transcriptionally regulate the initiation of genes associated with cold acclimation processes and enhance the adaptability of plants to cold stimulation. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most dominating food crops in the world, andwheat crops are generally overwintering with strong cold resistance. Our previous study already proved that heterologous expression of wheat ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) genes enhanced freezing tolerance in tobacco. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms of TaIRI are ambiguous. In this study, the space-time specific expression of TaIRI genes in wheat was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and results showed that the expression of TaIRI in all tissues was cold-induced and accelerate by exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Three promoters of TaIRI genes were isolated from wheat genome, and various 5'-deletion fragments of TaIRIp were integrated into β-glucuronidase (GUS) within vector pCAMBIA1301. The promoteractivity of TaIRI geneswas determined through transient expression system of tobacco and stable expression of Arabidopsis thaliana. Results revealed that the GUS activity were significantly strengthened by cold and MeJA treatments. This study will provide insights into elucidating the transcription-regulatory mechanism of IRI proteins responding to low temperature.

Effects of contact lens wearing on corneal sensitivity and reflex functions

AbstractPurpose: To study the effects of contact lens (CL) use on corneal sensory nerve activity, exploring corneal sensitivity and ocular functions regulated by sensory input in asymptomatic (CL‐A) and symptomatic (CL‐S) CL wearers.Methods: CL wearers (23.8 ± 1.0 years; n = 31) participating in the study were classified as CL‐S when OSDI ≥13. Sex and age eye glasses (EG) users (24.5 ± 0.8 years, n = 29) participated as control group. Corneal mechanical, chemical and cold sensitivity was explored using a gas esthesiometer and 4°C‐saline drops; intensity, irritation and cold components of the evoked sensation were measured with Visual Analogue Scales (VASs). Tear volume (with phenol red threads), tear stability (TBUT), basal blinking frequency (BF), ocular surface temperature (OST; by IR thermography) were also assessed.Results: CL wearers scored higher irritation VAS values than EG wearers for mechanical (2.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4 for 160 ml/min air flow, CL vs EG, p = 0.09) and chemical stimuli (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.3 for 40% CO2, p &lt; 0.05), and lower intensity values for cold stimulation (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 4.5 ± 0.7, p &lt; 0.05); tear volume was similar (27.0 ± 2.2 vs. 27.2 ± 1.6 mm), TBUT lower (8.3 ± 0.5 vs. 11.7 ± 0.5 s, p &lt; 0.001), BF was higher (25.1 ± 2.4 vs. 14.3 ± 1.9 blinks/min, p &lt; 0.001), and OST was lower (34.4 ± 0.2 vs. 35.2 ± 0.2°C, p &lt; 0.01). VAS values for cold stimulation was slightly lower in CL‐S than in CL‐A (2.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8, p = 0.06), while OST was higher (35.0 ± 0.2 vs. 33.9 ± 0.3°C, p &lt; 0.01).Conclusions: CL wearing affects corneal sensory nerve functions, changing corneal sensitivity, blinking rate, tearing stability, and OST. The changes found in corneal sensitivity fully agree with those described in neural activity of corneal sensory nerves after injury or inflammation using animal models: sensitization of corneal nociceptors and inhibition of cold thermoreceptors. The differences between CL‐S and CL‐A wearers could be due to the presence of subclinical ocular surface inflammation in symptomatic subjects.

Comparative analysis of cold-responsive genes under short-term cold stimulation and cold-adaptive genes under long-term heterogeneous environments reveals a cold adaptation mechanism in weeping forsythia.

Identifying cold-related genes can provide insights into the cold adaptation mechanism of weeping forsythia. In this study, we compared the changes in gene expressions and physiological and biochemical indices under short-term cold stimulation with the changes in gene sequences under a long-term heterogeneous environment to investigate the cold adaptation mechanism in weeping forsythia. The data of adaptive gene sequence changes, e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms, were obtained from previous landscape genomics studies. The physiological and biochemical indicators and transcriptome results showed that weeping forsythia initiated a series of programs, including increasing cell osmotic pressures, scavenging ROS, activating the defense mechanism that crosses with pathogen infection, and upregulating CBF/DREB1 transcription factor 1, to cope with short-term cold stress. A reanalysis of landscape genomic data suggested that weeping forsythia responded to long-term heterogeneous cold stress by the differentiation of genes related to synthesis of aromatic substances and adenosine triphosphate. Our results supported the hypothesis that the adaptation mechanisms of species to short-term environmental stimulation and long-term stress in heterogeneous environments are different. The differences in cold tolerance among populations are not necessarily obtained by changing cold-responsive gene sequences. This study provides new insights into the cold adaptation mechanisms of plants.

Reliability of Monothermal Caloric Test as Screening Test of Vestibular System

This retrospective study completed at a tertiary care center aimed to assess the monothermal caloric test (MCT) as a screening test, using the bithermal caloric test (BCT) as a reference. Additionally, it attempts to measure the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a fixed inter-auricular difference (IAD) value for both cold and warm stimuli using water irrigation. Medical records of 259 patients referred for vestibular symptoms who underwent BCT with water irrigation were reviewed. Patients with bilateral vestibular weakness and caloric tests using air irrigation were excluded. BCT showed 40.9% unilateral weakness. Two formulas were used to determine the monothermal caloric asymmetry (MCA-1 and MCA-2). The measurement of agreement Kappa between the two formulas in comparison with BCT revealed moderate agreement at 0.54 and 0.53 for hot and cold stimulation, respectively. The monothermal warm stimulating test (MWST) using MCA-2 showed better results, with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 91%, PPV of 83.1%, and NPV of 89.2%. Thirty-four patients had horizontal spontaneous nystagmus (HSN) with a mean velocity of 2.25°/s. These patients showed better sensitivity but lower specificity after adjustment of HSN using the MCA-2 formula at warm temperatures. Therefore, they should complete the caloric test with cold irrigation to perform the BCT. MCT is efficient as a screening test if the warm stimulus is used with the MCA-2 formula fixed at 25%. If present, HSNs should be adjusted. Negative IAD (normal) in the absence or presence of adjusted HSN or slow-phase eye velocity ≤ 6°/s at each right and left warm stimulation should be accomplished by the BCT.

Effects of Acute Cold Stress after Intermittent Cold Stimulation on Immune-Related Molecules, Intestinal Barrier Genes, and Heat Shock Proteins in Broiler Ileum.

Cold stress will have a negative impact on animal welfare and health. In order to explore the effect of intermittent cold stimulation training on the cold resistance of broilers. Immune-related and intestinal barrier genes were detected before and after acute cold stress (ACS), aiming to find an optimal cold stimulation training method. A total of 240 1-day-old Ross broilers (Gallus) were divided into three groups (G1, G2, and G3), each with 5 replicates (16 chickens each replicate). The broilers of G1 were raised at normal temperature, while the broilers of G2 and G3 were treated with cold stimulation at 3 °C lower than the G1 for 3 h and 6 h from 15 to 35 d, respectively, at one-day intervals. At 50 d, the ambient temperature for all groups was reduced to 10 °C for six hours. The results demonstrated that before ACS, IL6, IL17, TLR21, and HSP40 mRNA levels in G3 were apparently down-regulated (p < 0.05), while IL8 and Claudin-1 mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated compared with G1 (p < 0.05). After ACS, IL2, IL6, and IL8 expression levels in G3 were lower than those in G2 (p < 0.05). Compared to G2, Claudin-1, HSP90 mRNA levels, HSP40, and HSP70 protein levels were increased in G3 (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of TLR5, Mucin2, and Claudin-1 in G2 and IL6, IL8, and TLR4 in G3 were down-regulated after ACS, while IL2, IL6, and IL17 mRNA levels in G2 and HSP40 protein levels in G3 were up-regulated after ACS (p < 0.05). Comprehensive investigation shows that cold stimulation at 3 °C lower than the normal feeding temperature for six hours at one day intervals can enhanced immune function and maintain the stability of intestinal barrier function to lessen the adverse effects on ACS in broilers.

Screening of dysphagia and bedside rehabilitation nursing in patients with cerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To explore the early screening and rehabilitation nursing measures of dysphagia in patients with cerebral hemorrhage. Methods: A total of 443 patients with cerebral hemorrhage who were hospitalized in our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021 were selected as the research objects, and 381 patients with cerebral hemorrhage who were hospitalized in our hospital from September 2017 to September 2019 were selected as the control group. The swallowing function of the patients was evaluated by water swallow test and indirect assessment, and the patients were treated with routine rehabilitation nursing and pharyngeal cold stimulation. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia and clinical effects were compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the two groups: there were 15 cases of aspiration pneumonia in the treatment group (incidence rate 15/443, 3.55%), and 32 cases in the control group (incidence rate 32/381, 9.1%), there were statistical differences between the two groups(P&lt;0.01).The curative effect observation between the treatment group and the control group: after 1 week rehabilitation treatment, the observation group showed marked effect in 34 cases, improved in 215 cases, and ineffective in 194 cases, the effective rate was 56.2%; in the control group, 25 cases were markedly effective, improved in 119 cases, ineffective in 237 cases, and the effective rate was 37.8%., the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion Patients with cerebral hemorrhage have a higher incidence of dysphagia, and earlier rehabilitation assessment and nursing intervention can significantly reduce the incidence of complications and improve clinical efficacy. Conclusion: Patients with cerebral hemorrhage have a higher incidence of dysphagia, and earlier rehabilitation assessment and nursing intervention can significantly reduce the incidence of complications and improve clinical efficacy.