Objective To predict the radiation impact of discharging wastewater containing uranium within the specified limit generated during the normal operation of a new production line at a nuclear fuel plant on the receiving water body and its downstream, and to provide a reference for the management of radioactive liquid effluent discharge from nuclear facilities. Methods Based on the technical guidelines for environmental impact assessment, literature on radiation environmental impact assessment, and data collected from on-site investigations, appropriate hydrological parameters and prediction models were selected to analyze and predict the variation pattern of radioactive nuclide uranium along the receiving water body and the radiation exposure of nearby residents. Results The maximum increase in uranium concentration in the receiving water body and its downstream caused by the discharge of uranium-containing wastewater was 1.14 μg/L. The maximum predicted concentration was 2.75 μg/L after adding the background data of the water body. The resulting maximum individual annual effective dose for the public was 1.49 × 10⁻⁴ mSv/a. Conclusion The maximum predicted uranium concentration in the receiving water body and its downstream is lower than the uranium concentration limit of 30 μg/L specified in the Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749-2022). The maximum individual annual effective dose for the public is much lower than the control value of 0.2 mSv/a specified in the Radiation Protection Regulations for Uranium Processing and Fuel and Fuel Manufacturing Facilities (EJ 1056-2018). The radiation impact is acceptable.

Objective:Combined retrograde tracing with optogenetic methods,we are investigating the functional role of dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN)GABAergic neurons projecting to lateral habenula(LHb)terminals in anxiety-like behaviors.Methods:The specific retrograde tracing virus AAVretro-Ef1α-DIO-mCherry was injected into the LHb of Vgat-Cre mice.After the viral expression,Multi-brain slides scanning microscope imaging scan and observe the up-stream distribution of GABAergic neural projection in LHb.By retrograde tracing,opto-activated virus AAV2/9-Ef1a-DIO-ChR2-mCherry(ChR2 group)and control virus AAV2/9-Ef1a-DIO-mCherry(mCherry group)were injected into the DRN of Vgat-cre mice respectively.Three weeks after virus expression,DRNGABA neurons and the DRNCABA-LHb neural terminals were activated by optogenetic to observe their role in anxiety-like behaviors.Results:According to the results of retrograde tracing,the midbrain DRN is one of the major GABAergic neural projection brain areas in the LHb nucleus.Optogenetic stimulation of DRNGABA neurons,compared with the mCherry group,the ChR2 group showed sig-nificantly longer total moving distance,central area moving time and distance in the open field test(OFT);In the ele-vated plus maze(EPM),the open arm moving time and distance was significantly increased.When DRN GABA-LHb neural terminals were stimulated,compared with the mCherry group,the ChR2 group showed a significantly longer cen-tral zone moving time,distance and total moving distance in the OFT.During the elevated plus maze(EPM),the open arm moving time was significantly increased.Conclusion:The specific activation of the DRNGABA neuron as well as the DRNGABA-LHb neural projections showed that both significantly improved anxiety-like behaviors in mice.This provides new ideas and evidence for the treatment of anxiety,depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Objective:To investigate the role of GABAergic neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in isoflurane-induced general anesthesia-emergence in mice.Methods:Twenty-three healthy male Vgat-Cre transgenic mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22 g, were used in the study. In the immunofluorescence staining experiment, 8 mice were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=4 each) using a random number table method: oxygen group and isoflurane group. Oxygen group inhaled oxygen at a rate of 1.0 L/min for 2 h, while isoflurane group inhaled 1.4% isoflurane + 1.0 L/min oxygen for 2 h. The animals were then sacrificed, and brain tissues were removed and subjected to immunofluorescence staining for determination of the expression of c-Fos and the rate of co-labeling with GABA neurons. For the optogenetic experiment, 15 mice were divided into 3 groups ( n=5 each) using a random number table method: control group (CON group), optogenetic excitation group (CHR2 group) and optogenetic inhibition group (eNpHR group). The rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-mCherry, rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-CHR2-mCherry, and rAAV-Ef1a-DIO-eNpHR3.0-mCherry viruses were injected to the BNST brain region. After 3 weeks of virus expression, the mice were exposed to 1.0% isoflurane + 1.0 L/min oxygen, and their cortical EEG was simultaneously monitored. When the mice reached a stable anesthetic state, optogenetic methods were utilized to modulate the viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region, and the burst suppression ratio (BSR) of the cortical EEG was recorded at 2 min before light stimulation and 2 min of light stimulation. Results:Compared with oxygen group, the rate of c-Fos co-labeling with GABA neurons in the BNST brain region was significantly reduced ( P<0.05), and the c-Fos-positive neurons were reduced in isoflurane group. Compared with CON group or with the prestimulation level, BSR was significantly decreased in CHR2 group ( P<0.001), and no significant change was found in BSR during light stimulation in eNpHR group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Decreased viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region may be involved in the process of loss of consciousness in isoflurane-anesthetized mice, while increased viability of GABAergic neurons in the BNST brain region promotes the transition from anesthesia to emergence.

Aim To investigate the effects of naringenin on atherosclerotic plaque extracellular matrix remodeling and plaque stability.Methods Murine vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated and treated with various doges of naringenin.ApoE-/-mice were fed with high-fat diet and received naringenin by lavage for 16 weeks.Intraplaque nec-rotic core,contents of collagen and fibrous cap thickness were measured by Sirius red-Haematoxylin staining.Elastin was detected by Van Gieson staining.Matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)activity was determined by gelatin zymography and fluorescence-gelatin staining.Results Naringenin(50 μmol/L)increased signal tansducer and activator of transciption 6(STAT6)phosphorylation and promoted tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP-3)expression by 3.1-fold(P＜0.001).After naringenin(80 mg/kg)treatment,compared with the control group,the area of plaque necrotic core in aor-tic root decreased by 53％(P＜0.01),the thickness of fibrous caps increased by nearly 50％(P＜0.05),and the degree of elastic fiber degradation decreased.At the same time,naringenin promoted the expression of TIMP-3 in plaques,and corre-spondingly reduced the activity of MMP in plaques.Lentivirus mediated inhibition of TIMP-3 expression in vivo could reduce the protective effect of naringenin on plaque stability.Conclusion Naringin can increase the expression of TIMP-3 in smooth muscle cells,improve the composition of extracellular matrix,and promote the stability of atherosclerotic plaque.

Aim To study the effect of maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy on endothelial to mesenchymal transition of aortic vessels in adult offspring.Methods The pregnant mice were randomly divided into normal diet group and high-fat diet group,and the offspring mice were fed normally for 16 weeks after the mother gave birth.Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression and transcription of related proteins,and immunofluorescence and im-munohistochemical staining were used for pathological analysis.Results Compared with the offspring of maternal nor-mal diet during pregnancy,the expressions of vascular inflammatory factors,macrophage infiltration,monocyte-endothelium adhesion were significantly increased in the offspring of maternal high-fat diet(OHF)during pregnancy(P＜0.05).Vas-cular endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)activity,nitric oxide(NO)level were dramatically reduced(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence results showed reduced endothelial cell marker CD31 and increased mesenchymal marker α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in OHF.Western blot analysis further confirmed the results,which showed that maternal high fat diet reduced vascular endothelial-cadherin(VE-cadherin)and CD31 and increased α-SMA and Vimentin in the offspring(P＜0.05).The maternal high fat diet increased the extracellular matrix protein disposition and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)/Smad signaling in endothelium(P＜0.05).Moreover,the maternal high fat diet reduced Kruppel-like factor 2(KLF2)expression by 76％in mRNA level and 59％in protein level(P＜0.05).Conclusion Maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy lead to a transition of endothelial to mesenchyme in the offspring aorta.The results provide a clue for prevention of vascular disease in early stage.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of Neuroform Atlas stent assisted coil embolization in intracranial wide-necked aneurysms, and analyze the risk factors for procedure-related complications.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 367 patients with 374 intracranial wide-necked aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent assisted coil embolization from January 2021 to February 2024 were collected. Clinical prognosis, immediate postoperative and 6-12 months postoperative angiography, and procedure-related complications (including perioperative complications and complications during follow-up) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for procedure-related complications.Results:Immediate postoperative Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) grading I was noted in 323 aneurysms (86.4%), grading II in 42 aneurysms (11.2%), and grading III in aneurysms (2.4%). Perioperative complications occurred in 26 patients (7.1%): 19 (5.2%) were ischemic complications, while 7 (1.9%) were hemorrhagic complications. A total of 260 aneurysms (69.5%) underwent follow-up angiography, including 229 aneurysms (88.1%) with RROC grading I, 25 aneurysms (9.6%) with grading II and 6 aneurysms (2.3%) with grading III. During the follow-up, 5 patients (1.9%) developed stent stenosis, but only 1 patient had transient ischemic attack, and all of them had boundless vessel occlusion. At the last follow-up, 10 patients (2.7%) had poor prognosis, including 8 (2.2%) with severe disabilities (7 with modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores of 3 and 1 with mRS scores of 4), and 2 (0.5%) deaths (mRS scores of 6). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that large aneurysms and posterior circulation aneurysms were independent risk factors for procedure-related complications ( OR=6.299, 95% CI: 1.131-35.094, P=0.036; OR=3.654, 95% CI: 1.478-9.035, P=0.005). Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent assisted coil embolization in intracranial wide-necked aneurysms is safe and feasible; patients with large aneurysms and posterior circulating aneurysms are more likely to have procedure-related complications.

Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass/adverse effects* ; Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects* ; Coronary Artery Disease/surgery* ; Acute Kidney Injury/etiology* ; Postoperative Complications ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To investigate the arousal mechanism after sevoflurane anesthesia using orexinergic modulation in dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN) by optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques in rats.Methods:Forty-five healthy male Hcrt-Cre rats, aged 10-12 weeks, weighing 220-250 g, were divided into 6 groups by the random number table method: optical-excitatory group (CHR2 group, n=5), optical-inhibitory group (eNpHR group, n=5), optical-control group (O-CON group, n=5); chemogenetic-excitatory group (hm3Dq group, n=10), chemogenetic-inhibitory group (hm4Di group, n=10) and chemogenetic-control group (C-CON group, n=10). The optogenetic or chemogenetic techniques were used in each group. Three weeks after injecting the rat virus, anesthesia was induced and maintained with 2.7% sevoflurane anesthesia in 1.5 L/min O 2, and the EEG data were continuously recorded throughout the process. The burst suppression ratio (%BSR) was recorded at 2 min before and of laser stimulation. Combining optogenetic and chemogenetic strategies, it was investigated that whether activation of orexinergic projection to DRN could modulate anesthetic behaviors during sevoflurane anesthesia. Results:Compared with C-CON group, the recovery of righting reflex (RORR) time was significantly shortened after sevoflurane anesthesia in hm3Dq group ( P<0.05), and the RORR time was significantly prolonged after sevoflurane anesthesia in hm4Di group and eNpHR group ( P<0.05). Compared with O-CON group or the baseline at 2 min before light stimulation, the %BSR was significantly decreased during 473nm laser stimulation in CHR2 group ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the %BSR during 473nm laser stimulation in eNpHR group ( P>0.05). Compared with O-CON group, the RORR time was significantly shortened after sevoflurane anesthesia in CHR2 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lateral hypothalamic area orexin-DRN neural circuit plays a key role in promoting arousal from general anesthesia in rats.

Objective:To investigate the safety and feasibility of the CHESS endoscpic ruler (CHESS ruler), and the consistency between the measured values and the interpretation values by endoscopic physician experience.Methods:From January 2021 to January 2022, a total of 105 liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension were prospectively enrolled from General Hospital, Xixia Branch Hospital, Ningnan Hospital of People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (29 cases), and the First People′s Hospital of Yinchuan (25 cases), General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (18 cases), Wuzhong People′s Hospital (10 cases), the Fifth People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (10 cases), Shizuishan Second People′s Hospital (6 cases), Yinchuan Second People′s Hospital (5 cases), and Zhongwei People′s Hospital (2 cases) 8 hospitals. The clinical characteristics of all the patients, including gender, age, nationality, etiolog of liver cirrhosis, and Child-Pugh classification of liver function were recorded. A big gastroesophageal varices was defined as diameter of varices ≥5 mm. Endoscopist (associated chief physician) performed gastroscopy according to the routine gastroscopy procedures, and the diameter of the biggest esophageal varices was measured by experience and images were collected, and then objective measurement was with the CHESS ruler and images were collected. The diameter of esophageal varices of 10 randomly selected patients (random number table method) was determined by 6 endoscopists (attending physician or associated chief physician) with experience or measured by CHESS ruler. Kappa test was used to test the consistency in the diameter of esophageal varices between measured values by CHESS ruler and the interpretation values by endoscopic physician experience.Results:Among 105 liver cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension, male 65 cases and female 40 cases, aged (54.8±12.2) years old, Han nationality 82 cases, Hui nationality 21 cases and Mongolian nationality 2 cases. The etiology of liver cirrhosis included chronic hepatitis B (79 cases), alcoholic liver disease (7 cases), autoimmune hepatitis (7 cases), chronic hepatitis C (2 cases), and other etiology (10 cases). Liver function of 32 cases was Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B 57 cases, and Child-Pugh C 16 cases. All 105 liver cirrhosis patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension were successfully measured the diameter of gastroesophageal varices by CHESS ruler, and the success rate of application of CHESS ruler was 100.0% (105/105). The procedure time from the CHESS ruler into the body to the exit of the body after measurement was (3.50±2.55) min. No complications happened in all the patients during measurement. Among 105 liver cirrhosis patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension, 96 cases (91.4%) were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopists. Totally 93 cases (88.6%) were considered as big gastroesophageal varices by CHESS ruler. Eight cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopist, however not by the CHESS ruler; 5 cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices by the CHESS ruler, but not by the endoscopists; 4 cases were not recognized as big gastroesophageal varices both by the endoscopists and CHESS ruler; 88 cases were recognized as big gastroesophageal varices both by the endoscopists and CHESS ruler. The missed diagnostic rate of big gastroesophageal varices by the endoscopists experience was 5.4% (5/93), and the Kappa value of consistency coefficient between the measurement by the CHESS ruler and the interpretation by endoscopists experience was 0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.60). The overall Kappa value of consistency coefficient by 6 endoscopists measured by CHESS ruler in big gastroesophageal varices diagnosis was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.93).Conclusion:As an objective measurement tool, CHESS ruler can make up for the deficiency of subjective judgment by endoscopists, accurately measure the diameter of gastroesophageal varices, and is highly feasible and safe.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the effect of the 2022 nationwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave on the perioperative prognosis of surgical patients in China is unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore its influence on postoperative morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. METHODS: An ambispective cohort study was conducted at Xijing Hospital, China. We collected 10-day time-series data from December 29 until January 7 for the 2018-2022 period. The primary outcome was major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo class III-V). The association between COVID-19 exposure and postoperative prognosis was explored by comparing consecutive 5-year data at the population level and by comparing patients with and without COVID-19 exposure at the patient level. RESULTS: The entire cohort consisted of 3350 patients (age: 48.5 ± 19.2 years), including 1759 females (52.5%). Overall, 961 (28.7%) underwent emergency surgery, and 553 (16.5%) had COVID-19 exposure (from the 2022 cohort). At the population level, major postoperative complications occurred in 5.9% (42/707), 5.7% (53/935), 5.1% (46/901), 9.4% (11/117), and 22.0% (152/690) patients in the 2018-2022 cohorts, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the 2022 cohort (80% patients with COVID-19 history) had a significantly higher postoperative major complication risk than did the 2018 cohort (adjusted risk difference [aRD], 14.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5-18.4%); adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.19 (95% CI, 5.24-12.81)). At the patient level, the incidence of major postoperative complications was significantly greater in patients with (24.6%, 136/553) than that in patients without COVID-19 history (6.0% [168/2797]; aRD, 17.8% [95% CI, 13.6-22.1%]; aOR, 7.89 [95% CI, 5.76-10.83]). Secondary outcomes of postoperative pulmonary complications were consistent with primary findings. These findings were verified through sensitivity analyses using time-series data projections and propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: Based on a single-center observation, patients with recent COVID-19 exposure were likely to have a high incidence of major postoperative complications. REGISTRATION NCT05677815 at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ .
Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Cohort Studies ; COVID-19/complications* ; Pandemics ; Retrospective Studies ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*