Astrocytes are a crucial type of glial cells in the central nervous system, not only maintaining brain homeostasis, but also actively participating in the transmission of information within the brain. Astrocytes have a complex structure that includes the soma, various levels of processes, and end-feet. With the advancement of genetically encoded calcium indicators and imaging technologies, researchers have discovered numerous localized and small calcium activities in the fine processes and end-feet. These calcium activities were termed as microdomain calcium activities, which significantly differ from the calcium activities in the soma and can influence the activity of local neurons, synapses, and blood vessels. This article elaborates the detection and analysis, characteristics, sources, and functions of microdomain calcium activities, and discusses the impact of aging and neurodegenerative diseases on these activities, aiming to enhance the understanding of the role of astrocytes in the brain and to provide new insights for the treatment of brain disorders.
Astrocytes/cytology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Calcium/metabolism* ; Calcium Signaling/physiology* ; Brain/physiology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Membrane Microdomains/physiology* ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/physiopathology*

PURPOSE: To methodically assess the effectiveness of augmentative plating (AP) and exchange nailing (EN) in managing nonunion following intramedullary nailing for long bone fractures of the lower extremity. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to gather clinical studies regarding the use of AP and EN techniques in the treatment of nonunion following intramedullary nailing of lower extremity long bones. The search was conducted up until May 2023. The original studies underwent an independent assessment of their quality, a process conducted utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were retrieved from these studies, and meta-analysis was executed utilizing Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 8 studies involving 661 participants, with 305 in the AP group and 356 in the EN group. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the AP group exhibited a higher rate of union (odds ratio: 8.61, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.12 - 17.99, p < 0.001), shorter union time (standardized mean difference (SMD): -1.08, 95% CI: -1.79 - -0.37, p = 0.003), reduced duration of the surgical procedure (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.93 - -0.19, p = 0.003), less bleeding (SMD: -1.5, 95% CI: -2.81 - -0.18, p = 0.03), and a lower incidence of complications (relative risk: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.27 - -0.06, p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the time for union in the AP group in nonisthmal and isthmal nonunion of lower extremity long bones was shorter compared to the EN group (nonisthmal SMD: -1.94, 95% CI: -3.28 - -0.61, p < 0.001; isthmal SMD: -1.08, 95% CI: -1.64 - -0.52, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION In the treatment of nonunion in diaphyseal fractures of the long bones in the lower extremity, the AP approach is superior to EN, both intraoperatively (with reduced duration of the surgical procedure and diminished blood loss) and postoperatively (with an elevated union rate, shorter union time, and lower incidence of complications). Specifically, in the management of nonunion of lower extremity long bones with non-isthmal and isthmal intramedullary nails, AP demonstrated shorter union time in comparison to EN.
Humans ; Bone Nails/adverse effects* ; Bone Plates/adverse effects* ; Femoral Fractures/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods* ; Fractures, Ununited/surgery* ; Lower Extremity/injuries*

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical clinical condition characterized by rapid renal function decline, with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential effects on mitigating oxidative stress and programmed cell death in AKI models. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R. J. Wang (SD), a classic TCM herbal pair exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Using advanced chromatographic separation technology, we enriched the effective fractions of water extracts from SB-SD, obtaining self-assembled herbal nanoparticles (SB and SD nanoparticles, SSNPs) rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These SSNPs demonstrated robust antioxidant properties in vitro and mitigated AKI progression in vivo by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Oral administration of SSNPs in mice resulted in absorption into the bloodstream, formation of a protein corona, reduced macrophage phagocytosis, and enhanced bioavailability and renal targeting. Furthermore, we investigated the self-assembly principle of SSNPs using representative flavonoids and terpenoids. Kinetic studies and in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) revealed that these compounds self-assemble via supramolecular forces like hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions, forming stable nanostructures. This study elucidates the renoprotective effects and mechanisms of SB and SD, and provides a novel approach for the development of TCM-based nanomedicines, highlighting the potential of nano-TCM in AKI treatment.

Objective To evaluate the application of three deep learning algorithms in automatic segmentation of clinical target volumes (CTVs) in high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery for endometrial carcinoma. Methods A dataset comprising computed tomography scans from 306 post-surgery patients with endometrial carcinoma was divided into three subsets: 246 cases for training, 30 cases for validation, and 30 cases for testing. Three deep convolutional neural network models, 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net, were compared for CTV segmentation. Several commonly used quantitative metrics were employed, i.e., Dice similarity coefficient, Hausdorff distance, 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance, and Intersection over Union. Results During the testing phase, CTV segmentation with 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net showed a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.90 ± 0.07, 0.95 ± 0.06, and 0.95 ± 0.06, a mean Hausdorff distance of 2.51 ± 1.70, 0.96 ± 1.01, and 0.98 ± 0.95 mm, a mean 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance of 1.33 ± 1.02, 0.65 ± 0.91, and 0.40 ± 0.72 mm, and a mean Intersection over Union of 0.85 ± 0.11, 0.91 ± 0.09, and 0.92 ± 0.09, respectively. Segmentation based on V-Net was similarly to that performed by experienced radiation oncologists. The CTV segmentation time was < 3.2 s, which could save the work time of clinicians. Conclusion V-Net is better than other models in CTV segmentation as indicated by quantitative metrics and clinician assessment. Additionally, the method is highly consistent with the ground truth, reducing inter-doctor variability and treatment time.

Objective: To investigate the status of overweight and obesity and associated factors among primary and middle school students in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into formulating the prevention and control strategies for overweight and obesity in students. Methods: Primary and middle school students from 5 counties (cities, districts) of Huzhou City were selected by using stratified cluster random sampling method from September to November, 2023. The general information, dietary habits and exercise behaviors were collected using the Student Health Status and Influencing Factors Questionnaire. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was used to analyze overweight and obesity in primary and middle school students. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of overweight and obesity. Results: A total of 7 573 students were surveyed, including 3 791 males (50.06%) and 3 782 females (49.94%). There were 2 754 primary school students (36.37%), 2 744 junior high school students (36.23%) and 2 075 senior high school students (27.40%). There were 2 166 students with overweight and obesity (28.60%), 1 186 students with overweight (15.66%), and 980 students with obesity (12.94%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender (female, OR=0.546, 95%CI: 0.493-0.604), frequency of sweetened beverage consumption (once and more per day, OR=1.349, 95%CI: 1.102-1.650), and frequency of milk and milk products consumption (less than once per day, OR=0.742, 95%CI: 0.577-0.954) were the influencing factors for overweight and obesity in primary and middle school students. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Huzhou City is 28.60%, and is associated with gender, frequency of sweetened beverages and milk and milk products consumption.

Through a compound induction method, combined with neurobehavioral, macroscopic characterization and objective pathological evaluation indicators, a murine depression model of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome was constructed and confirmed. The model was constructed using a combination of sleep deprivation, light exposure, and alternate-day food deprivation. Evaluation was conducted at three levels: face validity, constructs validity, and predictive validity. The establishment of the liver depression transforming into fire syndrome depression model was further validated through the counterproof of traditional Chinese medicine formulas. In terms of face validity, compared to the control group, mice in the model group exhibited typical depressive symptoms in neurobehavioral assessments; the general observation of the model group mice reveals disheveled and lackluster fur, along with delayed and easily agitated responses. Additionally, there is a substantial increase in water consumption. In the sleep phase detection of mouse, the model group showed a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in the wake phase during sleep, accompanied by a significant decrease in the proportions of time spent in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phases. There are significant differences in physiological indicators such as average blood flow velocity, blood flow rate, tongue, urine, and claw color (r values) in the internal carotid artery. Structural validity demonstrated that levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus of model mice decreased significantly, while acetylcholine (ACh), tryptophan (Try), and glutamic acid (Glu) levels increased significantly. Treatment with Danzhi Xiaoyao San led to varying degrees of restoration in the aforementioned neurotransmitters. In terms of predictive validity, the antidepressant paroxetine effectively ameliorated depressive behaviors in the model mice, and the classic formula Danzhi Xiaoyao San demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in depression-related indicators. In conclusion, this study has established a novel animal model of liver-stagnation with the fire depression, thereby expanding the repertoire of traditional Chinese medicine depression models. This development contributes to the diversification of melancholic syndrome models in Chinese medicine, offering a broader spectrum of options for scientific exploration, efficacy evaluation, and drug screening in the future prevention and treatment of depression with traditional Chinese medicine. Animal experiments were conducted with the approval and supervision of the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ethics number: 20230313040).

Background and objective Cystic lung cancer,a special type of lung cancer,has been paid more and more attention.The most common pathological type of cystic lung cancer is adenocarcinoma.The invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma is vital for the selection of clinical treatment and prognosis.The aim of this study is to analyze the multiple clinical features of cystic lung adenocarcinoma,explore the independent risk factors of its invasiveness,and establish a risk pre-diction model.Methods A total of 129 cases of cystic lung adenocarcinoma admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into pre-invasive group[atypical adenomatous hyperplasia(AAH),adenocarcinoma in situ(AIS)and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma(MIA)]and invasive group[invasive adenocarcinoma(IAC)]according to pathological findings.There were 47 cases in the pre-invasive group,including 19 males and 28 females,with an average age of(51.23±14.96)years.There were 82 cases in the invasive group,including 60 males and 22 females,with an average age of(61.27±11.74)years.Mul-tiple clinical features of the two groups were collected,including baseline data,imaging data and tumor markers.Univariate analysis,LASSO regression and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to screen out the independent risk factors of the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma,and the risk prediction model was established.Results In univariate analysis,age,gender,smoking history,history of emphysema,neuron-specific enolase(NSE),number of cystic airspaces,lesion di-ameter,cystic cavity diameter,nodule diameter,solid components diameter,cyst wall nodule,smoothness of cyst wall,shape of cystic airspace,lobulation,short burr sign,pleural retraction,vascular penetration and bronchial penetration were statisti-cally different between the pre-invasive group and invasive groups(P<0.05).The above variables were processed by LASSO regression dimensionality reduction and screened as follows:age,gender,smoking history,NSE,number of cystic airspaces,lesion diameter,cystic cavity diameter,cyst wall nodule,smoothness of cyst wall and lobulation.Then the above variables were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Cyst wall nodule(P=0.035)and lobulation(P=0.001)were found to be independent risk factors for the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma(P<0.05).The prediction model was established as follows:P=e^x/(1+e^x),x=-7.927+1.476* cyst wall nodule+2.407* lobulation,and area under the curve(AUC)was 0.950.Conclusion Cyst wall nodule and lobulation are independent risk factors for the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma,which have certain guiding significance for the prediction of the invasiveness of cystic lung adenocarcinoma.

Japan is one of the main trading partners for the import and export of experimental animals in China,and its quarantine and supervision policies for the import and export of experimental animals are very detailed and strict.This article takes experimental dogs,cats,and monkeys as examples to provide an in-depth analysis of the quarantine and supervision policies for the main experimental animals exported to Japan.At the same time,it reflects on the current laws and regulations,import and export management method,standards,biosafety,breeding and management status,as well as the import and export business status of experimental animals in China.Suggestions are provided in improving the laws and regulations,import and export management method,ensuring national biosafety,improving the management level of experimental animal breeding,and promoting the import and export trade of experimental animals,in order to provide reference for comprehensively improving the production,use,and breeding management level of experimental animals in China and strengthening the trade between China and Japan.

Programmed cell death protein ligand-1(PD-L1)is an important immune checkpoint molecule that plays an important role in regulating the body's immune response.Several clinical studies have shown that the expression level of PD-L1 in tumors is closely related to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.Due to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tumors,immunohistochemical methods commonly used in clinical practice cannot accurately and comprehensively reflect the ex-pression level of PD-L1 in patients.Given that nuclear-medicine molecular imaging technology can noninvasively,real-time,dy-namically and visually monitor the expression level of PD-L1 in vivo at the molecular level,this article mainly focuses on the re-search of peptide-based radiolabeled molecular probes targeting PD-L1,with the aim of providing guidance for the search of no-vel peptide molecular probes for immunoimaging as well as for the screening of immunotherapy-suitable patients and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy,and other clinical applications.