Objective To investigate the impact of Atractylodin on lung tissue damage in young asthmatic rats by regulating the CXC chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)/CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)signaling pathway.Methods Twelve young SD rats were randomly selected from 60 rats as the control group(CON group),while the remaining 48 rats were used to construct asthma models using ovalbumin(OVA).Successfully modeled asthma rats were randomly separated into Model group,Atractylodin group(50 mg/kg Atractylodin),and CXCL-12 group(5 μ g/kg recombinant CXCL-12 protein)and Atractylodin+CXCL-12 group(50 mg/kg Atractylodin+5 μ g/kg recombinant CXCL-12 protein),with 12 in each group,continuously administered for 14 days.The CON and Model groups were given equal amounts of physiological saline.The percentages of neutrophils and eosinophils in bron-choalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detected.ELISA method was applied to detect cytokine levels in serum and BALF fluid;HE staining was applied to detect pathological changes in lung tissue;Western blot was applied to detect the levels of CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway related proteins.Results Compared with the CON group,the pathological score of lung tissue,percentage of neutrophils,percentage of eosinophils,the levels of IL-17,IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IgE,OVA sIgE,and the protein levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in Model group were obviously increased(P<0.05);compared with the Model group,the pathological score of lung tissue,percentage of neutro-phils,percentage of eosinophils,the levels of IL-17,IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IgE,OVA sIgE,and the protein levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the Atractylodin group were obviously reduced(P<0.05),the results in the CXCL-12 group were opposite to those in the Atractylodes group;CXCL-12 eliminated the improvement effect of atractylodes on asthma rats.Conclusion Atractylodin may improve lung tissue damage in asthmatic rats by down-regulating the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway.

Background The activity in precuneus within default mode network has been reported to be associated with antidepressant response,whereas the relationship between the functional network of precuneus and early response to antidepressant medications remains unclear.Objective To investigate the relationship between precuneus functional connectivity(FC)and early efficacy of antidepressant treatment in patients with major depressive disorder,so as to find a neurobiomarker to predict the early efficacy of antidepressants.Methods A consecutive sample of 47 patients with major depressive disorder who attended the Mental Health Center,West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2017 to February 2019 and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,fifth edition(DSM-5)were recruited.Baseline resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan findings and clinical assessments were recorded in participants.All patients treated with antidepressants for two weeks.Improvement was defined as 20%or greater reduction in baseline 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self-Report Scale(QIDS-SR16)by treatment exit,and patients were then classified into early improved group(n=27)and non-improved group(n=20).FC values of precuneus and whole brain were calculated using bilateral precuneus as seed region,and baseline precuneus FC values were compared between two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation between FC values in brain regions with statistically significant differences and QIDS-SR16 total scores and reduction rates.Results FC values between the left precuneus and left precentral gyrus and between the right precuneus and right fusiform gyrus in early improved group were both higher than those in non-improved group(GRF correction,P<0.01).The FC valves between the left precuneus and the left precentral gyrus and between the right precuneus and the right fusiform gyrus were positively correlated with QIDS-SR16 reduction rate(r=0.475,0.297,P<0.05).Conclusion Weakened FC between the left precuneus and left precentral gyrus and between the right precuneus and right fusiform gyrus are related to poor early efficacy to antidepressant treatment,and FC of precuneus may be a potential predictor of early response to antidepressants.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare and analyze the feasibility and long-term efficacy of prostatic capsule-sparing (PCS) and nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystectomy in the treatment of bladder cancer. Methods: From June 2004 to December 2021, our institution treated and followed 145 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction for over a year. These patients were divided into 2 groups: PCS (n=74) and NS (n=71). To minimize potential biases, 1:1 propensity score matching was utilized to compare oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications between the groups. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to evaluate survival differences between the PCS and NS groups. Results: The median follow-up durations for PCS and NS were 155 and 122 months, respectively. After adjusting for propensity scores, a total of 96 patients (48 in each group) were included for further analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no statistically significant differences in metastasis-free probability (P=0.206), cancer-specific survival (P=0.091), and overall survival (P=0.208). The daytime urinary control (UC) rate at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was 72.9%, 91.7%, and 97.9% in the PCS group and 47.9%, 79.2%, and 91.7% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.012, P=0.083, and P=0.362). The nocturnal UC rate was 54.2%, 85.4%, and 95.8% in the PCS group, and 31.3%, 60.4%, and 83.3% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.023, P=0.006, and P=0.091). Regarding erectile function recovery, 62.5% of patients in the PCS group and 22.9% in the NS group returned to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Conclusions PCS outperformed NS in restoring UC and sexual function and did not affect oncological outcomes. However, PCS was associated with a higher risk of complications linked to bladder-neck obstruction.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare and analyze the feasibility and long-term efficacy of prostatic capsule-sparing (PCS) and nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystectomy in the treatment of bladder cancer. Methods: From June 2004 to December 2021, our institution treated and followed 145 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction for over a year. These patients were divided into 2 groups: PCS (n=74) and NS (n=71). To minimize potential biases, 1:1 propensity score matching was utilized to compare oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications between the groups. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to evaluate survival differences between the PCS and NS groups. Results: The median follow-up durations for PCS and NS were 155 and 122 months, respectively. After adjusting for propensity scores, a total of 96 patients (48 in each group) were included for further analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no statistically significant differences in metastasis-free probability (P=0.206), cancer-specific survival (P=0.091), and overall survival (P=0.208). The daytime urinary control (UC) rate at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was 72.9%, 91.7%, and 97.9% in the PCS group and 47.9%, 79.2%, and 91.7% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.012, P=0.083, and P=0.362). The nocturnal UC rate was 54.2%, 85.4%, and 95.8% in the PCS group, and 31.3%, 60.4%, and 83.3% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.023, P=0.006, and P=0.091). Regarding erectile function recovery, 62.5% of patients in the PCS group and 22.9% in the NS group returned to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Conclusions PCS outperformed NS in restoring UC and sexual function and did not affect oncological outcomes. However, PCS was associated with a higher risk of complications linked to bladder-neck obstruction.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare and analyze the feasibility and long-term efficacy of prostatic capsule-sparing (PCS) and nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystectomy in the treatment of bladder cancer. Methods: From June 2004 to December 2021, our institution treated and followed 145 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction for over a year. These patients were divided into 2 groups: PCS (n=74) and NS (n=71). To minimize potential biases, 1:1 propensity score matching was utilized to compare oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications between the groups. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to evaluate survival differences between the PCS and NS groups. Results: The median follow-up durations for PCS and NS were 155 and 122 months, respectively. After adjusting for propensity scores, a total of 96 patients (48 in each group) were included for further analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no statistically significant differences in metastasis-free probability (P=0.206), cancer-specific survival (P=0.091), and overall survival (P=0.208). The daytime urinary control (UC) rate at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was 72.9%, 91.7%, and 97.9% in the PCS group and 47.9%, 79.2%, and 91.7% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.012, P=0.083, and P=0.362). The nocturnal UC rate was 54.2%, 85.4%, and 95.8% in the PCS group, and 31.3%, 60.4%, and 83.3% in the NS group, respectively (P=0.023, P=0.006, and P=0.091). Regarding erectile function recovery, 62.5% of patients in the PCS group and 22.9% in the NS group returned to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Conclusions PCS outperformed NS in restoring UC and sexual function and did not affect oncological outcomes. However, PCS was associated with a higher risk of complications linked to bladder-neck obstruction.

Objective:To investigate whether silencing signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) with siRNA can inhibit eosinophilic inflammation of sinonasal mucosa in a mouse model of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS).Methods:The study was conducted from March to September in 2022. Forty-eight female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the Vehicle (transfection reagent)-treated group, the Scramble siRNA (Control siRNA)-treated group, and the STAT6 siRNA-treated group, with twelve mice in each group. An ovalbumin (OVA)-staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced ECRS murine model was established. SiRNA prepared in Lipofectamine was locally administered to the nasal cavity. After administration, samples of the peripheral blood and sinonasal mucosa were collected. Eosinophils in peripheral blood were detected by hematology analyzer. Total and OVA-specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mucosal levels of cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17A, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and eotaxin-1, were also measured using ELISA. Mucosal histological changes of eosinophil infiltration were examined using hematoxylin, and eosin staining, and tissue eosinophil count was performed using a microscope under a high-power field (HPF). Tissue expression of STAT6 and phosphorylated STAT6 (p-STAT6) was detected with the western blot method. Immunofluorescence staining was used to localize the expression of p-STAT6 in sinonasal mucosa. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 18.0 software.Results:Peripheral blood eosinophil count, percentage of peripheral blood eosinophil, total serum IgE level, and serum OVA-sIgE level in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group [(0.318±0.045)×10 3/μl, (3.667±0.479)%, (102.070±13.205) ng/ml, and (38.870±7.352) ng/ml] were significantly different from those of the Vehicle-treated group [(0.532±0.049)×10 3/μl, (6.710±1.061)%, (203.102±29.653) ng/ml, and (74.575±6.432) ng/ml, Z value was -2.56, -2.24, -2.40, and -2.56, respectively, all P<0.05] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(0.493±0.036)×10 3/μl, (5.858±0.872)%, (189.964±30.042) ng/ml, and (80.935±8.358) ng/ml, Z value was -2.17, -2.08, -2.24, and -2.72, respectively, all P<0.05]. Besides, IL-5 and eotaxin-1 levels in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group [(312.279±34.281) pg/ml and (25.297±4.323) pg/ml] were significantly lower than those in the Vehicle-treated group [(689.667±31.905) pg/ml and (68.278±6.485) pg/ml, Z value was -2.73 and -2.88, respectively, both P<0.01] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(661.783±42.094) pg/ml and (63.015±7.416) pg/ml, Z value was -2.72 and -2.81, respectively, both P<0.01]. Tissue eosinophil count in sinonasal mucosa was (29.132±4.163)/HPF in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group, and were significantly less than those in the Vehicle-treated group [(78.050±7.912)/HPF, Z=-2.88, P<0.01] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(73.864±8.671)/HPF, Z=-2.72, P<0.01]. The expression level of STAT6 protein (0.105±0.021) was significantly decreased in the mice treated with STAT6 siRNA compared with PBS, Vehicle, and Scramble siRNA (0.232±0.037, 0.243±0.039, and 0.228±0.032, Z value was -2.25, -2.49, and -2.56, respectively, all P<0.05). Corresponding, p-STAT6 protein level (0.292±0.038) was markedly decreased by the introduction of STAT6 siRNA, the difference was statistically significant as compared with the Vehicle-and Scramble siRNA-treated groups (0.613±0.046 and 0.641±0.050, Z value was -2.81 and -2.88, respectively, both P<0.01). Immunofluorescence staining showed that p-STAT6 was mainly located in the nucleus of nasal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. The green fluorescence of p-STAT6 expression in sinonasal mucosa in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group was weaker than that in the Vehicle-and Scramble siRNA-treated groups. Conclusion:Intranasal administration of STAT6 siRNA can significantly downregulate STAT6 expression, decrease p-STAT6 level, and prohibit the development of Th2-skewed ECRS.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a polylactic acid-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanocarrier (N-Pac-CD133) coupled with a CD133 nucleic acid aptamer carrying paclitaxel for eliminating lung cancer stem cells (CSCs). METHODS: Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 was prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method and characterized. CD133⁺ lung CSCs were separated by magnetic bead separation and identified for their biological behaviors and gene expression profile. The efficiency of paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 for targeted killing of lung cancer cells was assessed in vitro. SCID mice were inoculated with A549 cells and received injections of normal saline, empty nanocarrier linked with CD133 aptamer (N-CD133), paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded nanocarrier (N-Pac) or paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 (n=8, 5 mg/kg paclitaxel) on days 10, 15 and 20, and the tumor weight and body weight of the mice were measured on day 40. RESULTS: Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed a particle size of about 100 nm with a high encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and drug loading rate (>8%), and was capable of sustained drug release within 48 h. The CD133⁺ cell population in lung cancer cells showed the characteristic features of lung CSCs, including faster growth rate (30 days, P=0.001) and high expressions of tumor stem cell markers OV6(P < 0.001), CD133 (P=0.001), OCT3/4 (P=0.002), EpCAM (P=0.04), NANOG (P=0.005) and CD44 (P=0.02). Compared with N-Pac and free paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed significantly enhanced targeting ability and cytotoxicity against lung CSCs in vitro (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the formation of tumor spheres (P < 0.001). In the tumor-bearing mice, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed the strongest effects in reducing the tumor mass among all the treatments (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION CD133 aptamer can promote targeted delivery of paclitaxel to allow targeted killing of CD133⁺ lung CSCs. N-Pac-CD133 loaded with paclitaxel may provide an effective treatment for lung cancer by targeting the lung cancer stem cells.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Carriers ; Lung ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Nanoparticles ; Neoplasms ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology*

Objective:To evaluate the changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) during cognitive dysfunction induced by multiple inhalation of sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats.Methods:Twenty-one SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 20-22 months, weighing 450-550 g, were divided into 2 groups using a random number table method: control group (group C, n=8) and repeated inhalation of sevoflurane anesthesia group (group S, n=13). In group S, the rats were put into an anesthesia box and inhaled a mixture of 3% sevoflurane and 30% oxygen for anesthesia, the oxygen flow rate was set at 3 L/min, maintaining for 3 h, and anesthesia was performed once every week for 3 times in total.The rats only inhaled a mixture of 70% air and 30% oxygen in group C. Two weeks later, cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze test, the EEG was collected and analyzed by the multi-channel physiological signal system, and the recording time of EEG signal was 30 min.The rats were sacrificed, and the brains were collected for determination of the count of apoptotic nerve cells (by TUNEL staining), and the apoptotic rate of nerve cells was calculated. Results:Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged at 3rd and 4th days of training, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased at 5th day, the percentage of high-frequency waves was decreased, the percentage of low-frequency waves was increased, and the apoptosis rate of nerve cells was increased in group S ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The percentage of high-frequency waves is decreased, and the percentage of low-frequency waves is increased during cognitive dysfunction induced by multiple inhalation of sevoflurane anesthesia, which may be related to apoptosis in nerve cells of aged rats.

Objective:To study the neuroprotective effect of nobiletin on the symptoms of postoperative cognitive impairment (POCD) induced by sevoflurane inhalation.Methods:Twenty-four aged SD rats (12 female mice and 12 male mice) were divided into three groups randomly: control group ( n=8), surgery group ( n=8) and surgery + nobiletin group ( n=8), with 4 females and 4 males in each group.The rats in surgery group and surgery+ nobiletin group were given normal saline(0.1 ml/10 g, once a day) and nobiletin(100 mg/kg, once a day) intragastrically for 6 weeks.Then the rats were anesthetized by sevoflurane and treated by abdominal exploration surgery, and then continued gavage for 1 week.The rats in control group were given normal saline(0.1 ml/10 g, once a day) intragastrically for 7 weeks without anesthesia or surgery.Sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia and abbreviated laparotomy were not done for control group.Morris water maze and open field experiment were used to measure the memory and cognitive ability and the independent exploration ability respectively.The changes of α-band electroencephalogram (EEG) were recorded by multi-channel physiological signal acquisition and processing system.The concentration of S100β, a marker of neurological impairment was detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of IBA-1 in microglia.SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results:There were no significant differences in Morris water maze, positioning cruise test and open field test among the groups before operation (all P>0.05). The differences were statistically significant among the groups 7 days after operation (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group (the escape latency, path length and cross platform times were ((20.37±1.11)s, (552.37±14.19)cm, (6.75±0.43)times respectively), the escape latency ((40.87±2.03)s) and path length ((1 258.62±19.53)cm) of rats in surgery group were significantly longer (both P<0.01), and the cross platform times ((2.12±0.33)times) significantly reduced ( P<0.01). The differences between surgery + nobiletin group ((22.37±1.11)s, (584.50±10.90)cm, (6.62±0.48)times) and control group were not significant (all P>0.05). The open field experiment showed that the movement distance, the crossed square number, and activity times in surgery group ((1.78±0.55) m, (4.75±0.50), (14.87±0.33) times) decreased significantly compared with those in control group ((3.73±0.07) m, (11.10±0.78), (51.12±0.78) times, all P<0.01). No significant difference was found between surgery + nobiletin group ((3.76±0.07)m, (10.75±0.66), (50.75±0.43)times) and control group(all P>0.05). Before anesthesia, there was no significant difference in the power ratio of α-band among the three groups ( P>0.05), but the differences during anesthesia and operation were significant ( F=72.58, 101.50, P<0.01). During anesthesia and operation, the power ratio of α-band in anesthesia and in surgery group (2.51±0.04, 2.14±0.03) were significantly lower (both P<0.01) than those in control group (3.49±0.03, 3.49±0.03), while there was no obvious changes (both P>0.05) in the surgery + nobiletin group (3.50±0.04, 3.51±0.04). There were significant differences in Bcl-2 protein expression and caspase 3/7 protein activity among the three groups ( F=5.21, 7.84, P<0.01). Compared with control group (1.00±0.02, 1 557.46±3.63), Bcl-2 of rats in the surgery group(0.40±0.05) were significantly lower and Caspase3/7 expression of surgery group (3 689.58±10.46) was significantly higher (both P<0.01), while the rats in the surgery + nobiletin group had no significant difference in both Bcl-2 level (1.03±0.06) and caspase 3/7 activities (1 805.28±6.17, both P>0.05). The difference of S100 β protein expression was significant among the three groups ( F=490.80, P<0.01). Compared with the control group ((0.18±0.01)μg/L), the concentration of S100β protein in the surgery group ((2.13±0.02)μg/L) decreased ( P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in the surgery + nobiletin group ((0.16±0.01) μg/L, P>0.05). The expression levels of IBA-1 protein ( F=10.83) and TNF-α, IL-1, IL-1β and IL-6 ( F=996.20, 221.40, 73.02, 174.13) were significantly different among the three groups (all P<0.01). The expression level of the neuroglial marker IBA-1 in the surgery group(1.36±0.02) was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.00±0.01, P<0.01), while the surgery + nobiletin group (1.03±0.01) had no significant different compared with control group ( P>0.05). The levels of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-1β and IL-6, in the brain of rats treated with nobiletin ((49.06±3.63)pg/mg, (2.09±0.43)pg/mg, (16.27±0.80)pg/mg, (2.11±0.19)pg/mg) were significantly lower than those in the surgery group((145.10±6.46)pg/mg, (5.67±0.43)pg/mg, (27.88±3.43)pg/mg, (4.74±0.32)pg/mg, all P<0.01). Conclusion:Nobiletin can obviously alleviate POCD symptoms caused by sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia.

Objective To investigate the management of Graves' disease in Jiangsu province. Methods According to the 2011 management of GD survey from American Thyroid Association and the 2013 survey from European Thyroid Association, a questionnaire was designed for this survey to acquire the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of Graves' disease among endocrinologists from 35 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu province. Results A total of 476 valid questionnaires were collected. For patients with symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a large majority of respondents monitored serum FT3 , FT4 , TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, TSH receptor antibody, and finding of thyroid ultrasound, accounted for 95. 6％, 95. 0％, 95. 4％, 95. 8％, 90. 3％, 90. 5％, and 93. 9％physicians, respectively. 91.2％ of physicians preferred anti-thyroid drugs as the first-line treatment, and 92. 6％ of them gave priority to the use of methimazole. For the duration of anti-thyroid drugs therapy, 41.2％of endocrinologists chose 24 months, while 20％ chose 18 months. When patients have moderate and active ophthalmopathy, most respondents with medium or senior professional titles preferred anti-thyroid drugs, while most resident physicians chose radioactive iodine plus corticosteroids. When pregnancy was confirmed in the patients of Graves' disease, 88％ of respondents preferred propylthiouracil during the first trimester of pregnancy, and 58. 4％ of them would continue propylthiouracil into the second trimester. Conclusions The mastering of basic perception of Graves' disease knowledge is satisfactory among the endocrinologists. But by comparing to the American and European survey results and related guidelines, there are still some differences in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, physicians should notice those differences and make improvement on standardized treatment for patients to raise the response ratio while reducing the recurrent events.