Objective To investigate the effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2.5 to 3 hours post-fertilization [hpf]) were exposed to 3.7 × 10⁴ Bq/mL tritiated water (tritiated water group), and those exposed to E3 culture medium were used as the control group. The mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, heart rate, body length, yolk sac area, neutrophil count in the tail, immune-related gene expression, and immune-related protein expression of zebrafish in the two groups were determined. Then transcriptome technology was used to further analyze the possible mechanism of tritiated water affecting the immune system of zebrafish. Results Compared with the control group, zebrafish at 72 hpf in the tritiated water group had no significant changes in the mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, body length, and yolk sac area((t = 0.9045, 0.5000, 1.0000, 0.7238, 0.0337, P = 0.4169, 0.6433, 0.3739, 0.4785, 0.9735), but had significantly increased heart rate(t = 4.575，P = 0.002). At 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), the neutrophil count in the tail of zebrafish in the tritiated water group was significantly increased(t = 2.563，P = 0.0196), the mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased(t = 2.891, P = 0.045), the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased(t = 3.848, P = 0.018), and the protein expression of NLRP3 was significantly decreased(t = 14.98, P = 0.001). At 7 dpf, the neutrophil count in the tail and the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β were significantly decreased(t = 3.772, 7.048, 15.620, 4.423, P = 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.012). Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the “neutrophil activation” and “platelet activation pathways” at 4 dpf and in the “neutrophil apoptosis”, “ferroptosis”, and “necroptosis” pathways at 7 dpf. Conclusion Tritiated water exposure induces a temporally dynamic immune response in zebrafish, potentially affecting immune homeostasis by regulating neutrophil activation and apoptosis, as well as the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of antagonistic needling therapy on lower limb spasticity and the muscle morphology of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius in patients with stroke. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity were randomly divided into an antagonistic needling group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a routine acupuncture group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out). Both groups received basic treatment and rehabilitation training. The routine acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal and vertex lateral line 1, combined with body acupuncture at Jianyu (LI15), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), etc. on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36) and Fenglong (ST40), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Taichong (LR3) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. The antagonistic needling group used the same scalp and upper limb acupoints as the routine acupuncture group, with additional antagonistic needling on the lower limb at Yanglingquan (GB34), Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. Both groups received treatment once daily for 6 consecutive days per course, with a total of 4 courses. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Holden functional ambulation classification (FAC), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), composite spasticity scale (CSS), and musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters (thickness and fiber length of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on both sides) were evaluated before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MAS grades and CSS scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater reductions in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05, P<0.01). FAC grades and FMA scores were increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05). The muscle thickness, fiber length of the tibialis anterior, the muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on the affected side were improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.01, P<0.05). On the unaffected side, these parameters were also increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), but the antagonistic needling group showed smaller increases than the routine acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate in the antagonistic needling group was 91.8% (45/49), higher than 81.6% (40/49) in the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Antagonistic needling could effectively reduce spasticity, improve motor function, and enhance muscle structure in patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Spasticity/pathology* ; Aged ; Stroke/physiopathology* ; Lower Extremity/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Muscle, Skeletal/pathology* ; Treatment Outcome

This paper introduces Professor SUN Shentian's clinical experience in the treatment of refractory facial paralysis with acupuncture and moxibustion. Professor SUN believes that the etiology of refractory facial paralysis is complex. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment should be based on cortical localization, Baihui (GV20), lower 1/5 of motor area and brainstem area are selected, and repetitive transcranial acupuncture is applied. Under the ultrasonic positioning, acupuncture is performed on the starting and ending points of the mimetic muscles in different lesion sites. Combined with the TCM pathogenesis of refractory facial paralysis with deficiency of healthy qi and retention of pathogenic factors, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment takes strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors as the core, and reuses the acupoints of yangming meridians (Yingxiang [LI20], Sibai [ST2], Dicang [ST4], Hegu [LI4], Zusanli [ST36], etc.) as the main acupoints to dredge the meridians. The main facial mimetic muscles and related collateral points are selected for cluster needling to dredge the collaterals. Acupuncture at Yangbai (GB14)-toward-Tongziliao (GB1), Sibai (ST2)-toward-Dicang (ST4), Dicang (ST4)-toward-Jiache (ST6) is applied and combined with the needle-sticking and lifting technique to nourishing tendons. Qihai (CV6) and Guanyuan (CV4) are selected for acupuncture before moxibustion. In addition, Professor SUN emphasizes that the three methods of kneading, acupuncture and moxibustion should be used in Yifeng (TE17), Qianzheng (Extra) and Xiaguan (ST7). Professor SUN combines TCM syndrome differentiation with modern technology, which has the advantages of accurate positioning and diverse techniques, and provides a new idea for the treatment of refractory facial paralysis.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Middle Aged ; Adult

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP)ethanol extract on motor dysfunction in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Eighty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, levodopa group (positive control group), low-dose GP group, and high-dose GP group, with 16 mice per group. The PD model was induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra pars reticulata of the mice. Two weeks after 6-hydroxydopamine, positive control group received intraperitoneal injection of levodopa 10 mg·kg^－1·d^－1, while low-dose GP and high-dose GP groups received GP extract 100 or 200 mg·kg^－1·d^－1 orally for three weeks. After a 3-week-treatment, the effects of GP on motor dysfunction in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD were assessed using open field and CatWalk gait tests, while the effects on muscle strength were evaluated by forelimb grip strength. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons. The levels of dopamine and serotonin in the midbrain were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins such as p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p-p38 and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway proteins such as B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved-cysteine aspartic acid specific protease (caspase)-3. RESULTS: Behavioral experiments showed that GP significantly improved the spontaneous activity and motor coordination of PD mice (P<0.05). The forelimb grip strength was also increased by GP treatment (P<0.05), compared to the PD model group. In addition, compared with the model group, the number of TH-positive neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata region, the levels of dopamine and serotonin in midbrain and the expression of p-ERK1/2 were significantly increased by GP treatment (all P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-p38 and p-JNK1/2, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that GP might increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the midbrain and promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata by regulating the expression of phosphorylation of MAPK family proteins and the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, thereby ameliorating motor deficits in PD mice.
Animals ; Mice ; Male ; Gynostemma/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Parkinson Disease/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Neurons/pathology*

Objective:To analyze the relationship between the optimal surgical margin value and clinical prognosis of transoral robotic surgery（TORS） in treating human papillomavirus（HPV） -positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods:A single-center, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted, enrolling patients with early and moderated stage（≤T3 stage） oropharyngeal carcinoma undergoing TORS between July 2020 and April 2024. The proposed optimal surgical margin cutoff value for TORS was set as 2 mm. The primary objectives were to evaluate the optimal clear margin for TORS and its association with overall survival（OS） and progression-free survival（PFS）. Logistic regression was used to analyze correlations between surgical margins and clinical variables, while Cox regression models assessed the impact of surgical margins on OS and PFS. Results:A total of 90 patients（60 males, 66.7%） were included, all had squamous cell carcinoma, with a mean age of 58.0±9.0 years（range: 39-84 years） old. The 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 92.3%, 89.9% and 85.0%, respectively, while the 1, 2 and 3-year PFS rates were all 90.1%. For surgical margins ≤2 mm, the 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 80.8%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, and PFS rates were 77.9% across three time points. For surgical margins>2 mm, the 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 96.5%, 96.5% and 90.6%, respectively, with PFS rates of 94.6%. Logistic regression showed no correlation between surgical margins and tumor type, T/N stage, smoking, alcohol use, or gender（P>0.05）. Cox analysis identified surgical margins>2 mm as a significant factor improving PFS（HR=0.14, 95%CI 0.02-0.90, P=0.038）. Conclusion:This systematic analysis suggests setting a 2 mm and longer as clear surgical margin for TORS. Margins>2 mm are associated with superior postoperative PFS rate and prolonged PFS time in HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/virology* ; Human Papillomavirus Viruses/isolation & purification* ; Margins of Excision ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/virology* ; Papillomavirus Infections/virology* ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*

Objective:To observe the effect of disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the treatment of patients with renal calculi.Methods:Sixty patients with kidney calculi treated by disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Medical College from February 2021 to January 2024 were retrospectively selected as the observation group, matched according to age (±5 years) and gender factors, according to the random number table method, 60 patients with kidney calculi who were treated with disposable ureteroscopy combined with laser lithotripsy at the same time were selected as the control group. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, operation time and hospital stay were recorded and compared between the two groups. Serum renal function parameters urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer before and 3 days after surgery, and serum inflammatory factor C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of complications was recorded and compared between the two groups. Measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentage, and the Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Results:The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and hospital stay in the observation group [(23.2±5.9) mL, (98.8±8.5) min, (4.2±1.0) d, respectively] were all lower than those in the control group [(27.3±6.5) mL, (112.5±9.8) min, (4.7±1.3) d, respectively], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The success rate of stone removal in the observation group was 100.00% (60/60), higher than that in the control group (81.67%, 49/60), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=10.01, P=0.002). 3 days after surgery, the levels of serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, CRP and IL-6 in the observation group [(7.04±1.24) mmol/L, (73.21±6.87) μmol/L, (15.83±2.57) mg/L, (10.52±1.02) ng/L] were lower than those in the control group [(7.63±1.32) mmol/L, (78.59±7.52) μmol/L, (21.32±3.22) mg/L, (15.47±1.35) ng/L], the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group (3.33%) was lower than that in the control group (13.33%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.93, P=0.048). Conclusion:Disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the treatment of patients with renal calculi can improve the protection of renal function, improve the stone removal rate of patients, reduce postoperative blood loss and complications, shorten the operation time and hospital stay, improve inflammatory response, and have good clinical efficacy.

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammatory index(SII)combined with tumor burden score (TBS) (hereinafter referred to as STS) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection, and to construct a nomogram model.Methods:The clinical data (including the degree of tumor differentiation, vascular cancer thrombus, and lymph node metastasis, etc.) of 258 ICC patients who received radical resection at People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou University (170 cases, training set) and Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University (88 cases, validation set) from January 1, 2016 to January 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and graded by SII, TBS and STS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with ICC. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were drawn to evaluate the predictive efficiency of SII, TBS and STS in the overall survival of patients with ICC after radical resection. The nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluate the performance of nomogram model using consistency index (C-index) and calibration curve.Results:Among 170 ICC patients in the training set, there were 106 cases of SII grade 1 and 64 cases of SII grade 2; 137 cases of TBS grade 1 and 33 cases of TBS grade 2; and 98 cases of STS grade 1, 47 cases of STS grade 2, and 25 cases of STS grade 3. Among 88 ICC patients in the validation set, there were 33 cases of SII grade 1 and 55 cases of SII grade 2; 66 cases of TBS grade 1 and 22 cases of TBS grade 2; and 30 case of STS grade 1, 39 cases of TBS grade 2, and 19 cases of TBS grade 3.The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor differentiation degree (highly differentiated vs. moderately differentiated HR=0.157, 95% confidence interval(95% CI) 0.045 to 0.546, highly differentiated vs. poorly differentiated HR=0.452, 95% CI 0.273 to 0.750), STS (grade 3 vs. grade 2 HR=1.966, 95% CI 1.148 to 3.469; grade 3 vs. grade 1 HR=1.405, 95% CI 0.890 to 2.216), vascular cancer thrombus ( HR=2.006, 95% CI 1.313 to 3.066), nerve invasion ( HR=1.865, 95% CI 1.221 to 2.850), and lymph node metastasis ( HR=1.802, 95% CI 1.121 to 2.896) were independent influencing factors of overall survival in ICC patients after radical resection (all P<0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that SII, TBS, and STS were independent influencing factors of overall survival in ICC patients (all P<0.05). The results of ROC analysis showed that the areas under the curve of SII, TBS and STS in predicting overall survival of ICC patients after radical resection were 0.566 (95% CI 0.479 to 0.652), 0.585 (95% CI 0.499 to 0.672), and 0.657 (95% CI 0.522 to 0.692), respectively. Tumor differentiation, vascular tumor thrombus, nerve invassion, lymph node metastasis, and STS were included to constract the nomogram model. The C-indexes of the training set and validation set based on the nomogram model were 0.792 (95% CI 0.699 to 0.825) and 0.776 (95% CI 0.716 to 0.833), respectively. The calibration curves of the survival rate of the training set and the validation set were close to the reference lines, and the nomogram model had better predictive ability in both the training set and the validation set. Conclusions:Preoperative STS grading is an effective and practical predictor of overall survival in ICC patients after radical section. Compared with SII and TBS alone, it has better predictive value for the prognosis of patients with ICC.

Objective:To explore the technical focus of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of horseshoe kidney combined with renal tumor.Methods:The clinical data of a patient with horseshoe kidney combined with renal tumor treated by robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University in September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched for all the literature on the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy for the treatment of horseshoe kidney combined with renal tumor from the time of establishment to December 2022.Results:A total of 11 patients from 10 articles were retrieved and 12 patients were enrolled. Among the 12 patients, 4 cases used the retroperitoneal approach and 8 cases used the transperitoneal approach. Two cases were operated by traditional laparoscope, and the arteries were searched for and controlled before the robotic arm was placed to perform the partial nephrectomy and suture; and 10 cases were operated with the robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach throughout the whole procedure. Five cases of nephrectomy were performed on one side, and 7 cases were performed in the partial nephrectomy. Postoperative pathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma in 8 cases, chromophobe cell carcinoma in 1 case, eosinophilic cell carcinoma in 1 case, renal cell carcinoma in 1 case, and renal abscess in 1 case. The patient in the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University was 38 years old female who was admitted to the hospital with a fever. After CT arteriography and three-dimensional reconstruction, robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy of right kidney and isthmus dissecting was performed. During the operation, tumor trophoblast vessels were ligated and dissected one by one by using single-use tissue closure clips, and the isthmus was dissected using endoscopic cutting anastomosis on the left side of the tumor, with the tumor edges sharply resected and completely dissected. The operation time was 240 min, without thermal ischemia time, and the bleeding volume was about 300 ml. The patient recovered well after the operation, and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was renal abscess.Conclusions:Robot-assisted laparoscopic treatment of horseshoe kidney combined with renal tumor is safe and effective, and has more advantages than traditional laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative CT arteriography or three-dimensional reconstruction examination should be applied to fully evaluate the variant vessels. The surgical access and plan should be decided according to the size and location of the tumor. The variant vessels should be properly handled during operation. The use of endoscopic cutting anastomosis to deal with the isthmus can be more conducive to the surgical operation.

Objective To explore the protective effect in a model of nicotinamide riboside(NR)against carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone(CCCP)-induced oxidative stress in R28 cells.Methods 4 μmol/L CCCP was used to induce oxidative stress in R28 cells,and 400 nmol/L NR was used to intervene.The cell viability was quantified by CCK-8 assay.The apoptosis was detected by Annexin-V/PI double staining and flow cytometry.Western blotting was used to examine the levels of Cytochrome C,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9 to evaluate the apoptosis.Tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),MitoSOX was used to detect the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)levels,and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)assay kit was used to assess ATP generation ability to evaluate mitochondrial function.Results After CCCP treatment of R28 cells,the cell viability decreased,the apoptotic protein levels and apoptosis rates increased,the MMP decreased,and the mtROS generation increased(P＜0.05).After NR pretreatment,the cell viability increased,the apoptotic protein levels and apoptosis rates decreased,the MMP increased,and the mtROS generation decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:NR enhances the cell viability,reduces the expression of apoptotic proteins,and ultimately reduces the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell by inhibiting oxidative stress response and protecting mitochondrial function.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and factors that may affect the flare of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods:A total of 300 patients with SLE who were treated with standard treatment in the outpatient clinic of the department of rheumatology and immunology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University of PLA, were enrolled, and the patients were divided into 24 patients in the complete response group, 40 cases in the no response group, 192 cases in the treatment response group, and 44 cases in the low disease activity group according to the response to treatment. The differences in clinical characteristics and survival rates between the groups were compared and analyzed. Comparisons of count data were made using analysis of variance (ANOVA), comparisons of measurement data were made using the chi-square test or the Fisher′s ecact test, and survival rates were expressed as Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox regression analysis was adapted to explore risk factors for flare in these patients.Results:A total of 300 patients were followed. With a median follow-up time of 18 (1, 36) months, a total of 42 patients experienced flare. The clinical characteristics of the four groups were compared, and there were significant differences in age ( F=4.39, P=0.005), the presence of lupus nephritis ( χ2=12.66, P=0.005), hemoglobin level ( F=2.73, P=0.044), NLR level( F=3.88, P=0.010), cystatin C level( F=3.11, P=0.027), anti-RNP antibody ( χ2=12.04, P=0.007), anti-Sm antibody ( χ2=8.33, P=0.040), anti-SSB antibody ( P=0.014), anti-nucleosome antibody ( P=0.014), and anti-ribosomal P protein antibody ( χ2=11.83, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in survival between the four groups. Cox analysis showed that the combination of other autoimmune diseases [ HR(95%CI)=3.23(1.58, 6.57), P=0.001], anti-Sm antibody [ HR(95%CI)=2.15(1.04, 4.43), P=0.038], and anti-RNP antibody [ HR(95%CI)=2.54(1.13, 5.68), P=0.023] were risk factors for flare in patients with SLE who could reach the treatment target. Conclusion:Patients with SLE with different treatment responses have different clinical features, and all treatment can significantly improve the recurrence rate no matter what level of response to treatment. Patients concurrent with other autoimmune diseases, positive anti-Sm antibodies, and positive anti-RNP antibodies are at highrisk of flare.