In recent years,germ-free rats and mice have received extensive attention and application in the field of biomedical research,particularly in gut microbiota studies.The demand for germ-free rodents has been increasing,requiring many research institutions to establish quality germ-free animal populations.The process of breeding first-generation germ-free animals involves highly specialized and technically challenging work,such as using artificial rearing techniques to feed rodent pups.This review article provides an overview of key aspects of artificial rearing techniques,including nursing method,preparation of artificial milk,and sterilization method.It retrospectively summarizes the key technical points and,based on this foundation,offers prospects for further applications of artificial rearing techniques.

In recent years,germ-free rats and mice have received extensive attention and application in the field of biomedical research,particularly in gut microbiota studies.The demand for germ-free rodents has been increasing,requiring many research institutions to establish quality germ-free animal populations.The process of breeding first-generation germ-free animals involves highly specialized and technically challenging work,such as using artificial rearing techniques to feed rodent pups.This review article provides an overview of key aspects of artificial rearing techniques,including nursing method,preparation of artificial milk,and sterilization method.It retrospectively summarizes the key technical points and,based on this foundation,offers prospects for further applications of artificial rearing techniques.

Objective To compare the hematological parameters,biochemical profiles,histopathological characteristics,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism in 8-weeks-old specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade and germ-free(GF)golden hamsters.Methods Twenty 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,with equal numbers of males and females,were utilized in this study.Serum cytokines associated with routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry,and lipid metabolism were quantified using automated hematology and biochemical analyzers,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.The cecum,small intestine,lung,spleen,forestomach,and glandular stomach were examined by histopathology.Results We compared the result between SPF grade and GF golden hamsters at 8 weeks of age.Regarding hematological parameters,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in white blood cell count,hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH),and mean platelet volume between the two groups,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in MCH concentration(MCHC),platelet distribution width(PDW),and lymphocyte count(LYM).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in mean corpuscular volume,MCH,LYM,neutrophil count,basophil count,and basophil percentage,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in MCHC,PDW,lymphocyte percentage,and neutrophil percentage.In terms of biochemical parameters,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,fasting insulin(FINS),and glycosylated serum protein(GSP),and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in triglycerides(TG).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in GSP levels and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in total cholesterol,TG,LDL-C,FINS,and C-peptide levels.For serum cytokines related to lipid metabolism,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in interleukin(IL)-10,adiponectin(ADP),and IL-6 levels,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in hs-CRP levels and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in ADP and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.Hematoxylin/eosin staining showed that the cecal muscle layer was thinner and the number of crypts attached to the mucous membrane was reduced in GF compared with SPF grade golden hamsters.In addition,the ileocele was enlarged and the number of goblet cells was increased,the alveolar septum was widened,immune cells in the white pulp of the spleen were increased,and the blood content in the blood sinuses was increased.There was also thinning of the anterior gastric mucosa and the basophilic strength of the glandular gastric tube gland was weakened.Conclusions This study established the differences in routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry indicators,histopathological features,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism between 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,to establish preliminary reference ranges.

Objective To investigate the correlation between indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence imaging and lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer and its application value.Methods The clinicopathological data of 35 patients with bladder cancer(T1-T4aNxM0)treated in our hospital during Jun.2019 and Mar.2023 were collected.All patients underwent ICG submucous injection,and those with successful imaging received lymph node dissection under fluorescent guidance.After that,the remaining lymph tissue was cleared according to the standard lymph node dissection range,and the resected lymph tissue was subassembled for examination.Patients with non-imaging underwent standard pelvic lymph node dissection according to the routine procedure.Intraoperative lymph node imaging areas were recorded,and postoperative lymph node pathological data were collected.The correlation between fluorescence imaging patterns and lymph node metastasis in patients with different stages of bladder cancer was analyzed with correlation coefficients.Results The ICG fluorescence imaging rate was 91.43％(32/35),and there was no statistically significant difference in the imaging rate among patients with different stages of bladder cancer(P＞0.05).The fluorescence imaging range was significantly correlated with the stage(C=0.351,P=0.034).There was a significant correlation between the imaging range and lymph node metastasis in early-stage patients(C=0.619,P=0.022),but there was no significant difference in the lymph node metastasis rate in advanced patients with different imaging range(P＞0.05).In patients with full staging,the sensitivity of lymph nodes to predict metastasis was 60.00％(6/10),and the negative predictive value was 84.62％(22/26).In early-stage patients,the sensitivity and negative predictive value were 50.00％(1/2)and 93.75％(15/16),respectively.In advanced-stage patients,they were 62.50％(5/8)and 70.00％(7/10),respectively.Conclusion ICG fluorescence imaging rate of tracing lymph node metastasis is high,and the imaging range is significantly related to the tumor stage.For patients with early-stage(T1-T2)bladder cancer,the range of imaging helps to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis and guide the extent of lymph node dissection.Resection of multi-area imaged lymph nodes can comprehensively evaluate the lymphatic metastasis status of early-stage patients.

Objective To investigate the correlation between indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence imaging and lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer and its application value.Methods The clinicopathological data of 35 patients with bladder cancer(T1-T4aNxM0)treated in our hospital during Jun.2019 and Mar.2023 were collected.All patients underwent ICG submucous injection,and those with successful imaging received lymph node dissection under fluorescent guidance.After that,the remaining lymph tissue was cleared according to the standard lymph node dissection range,and the resected lymph tissue was subassembled for examination.Patients with non-imaging underwent standard pelvic lymph node dissection according to the routine procedure.Intraoperative lymph node imaging areas were recorded,and postoperative lymph node pathological data were collected.The correlation between fluorescence imaging patterns and lymph node metastasis in patients with different stages of bladder cancer was analyzed with correlation coefficients.Results The ICG fluorescence imaging rate was 91.43％(32/35),and there was no statistically significant difference in the imaging rate among patients with different stages of bladder cancer(P＞0.05).The fluorescence imaging range was significantly correlated with the stage(C=0.351,P=0.034).There was a significant correlation between the imaging range and lymph node metastasis in early-stage patients(C=0.619,P=0.022),but there was no significant difference in the lymph node metastasis rate in advanced patients with different imaging range(P＞0.05).In patients with full staging,the sensitivity of lymph nodes to predict metastasis was 60.00％(6/10),and the negative predictive value was 84.62％(22/26).In early-stage patients,the sensitivity and negative predictive value were 50.00％(1/2)and 93.75％(15/16),respectively.In advanced-stage patients,they were 62.50％(5/8)and 70.00％(7/10),respectively.Conclusion ICG fluorescence imaging rate of tracing lymph node metastasis is high,and the imaging range is significantly related to the tumor stage.For patients with early-stage(T1-T2)bladder cancer,the range of imaging helps to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis and guide the extent of lymph node dissection.Resection of multi-area imaged lymph nodes can comprehensively evaluate the lymphatic metastasis status of early-stage patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 176 patients with FFP who were admitted between July 2018 and July 2024 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 95 patients underwent TiRobot-assisted closed reduction and minimally invasive cannulated screw fixation (robot group), while 81 patients underwent traditional open reduction and plate screw fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, fracture classification, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The following parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rate, volume of intraoperative blood transfusion, maximum incision length, hospital stay, maximum residual displacement, reduction quality, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, VAS scores, Majeed pelvic function scores, and functional grading. RESULTS: All surgeries in both groups successfully completed. The robot group exhibited significantly shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, lower intraoperative transfusion rate, smaller volume of intraoperative blood transfusion, shorter maximum incision length, and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group ( P<0.05). In the robot group, a total of 14 INFIX internal fixation frames and 280 cannulated screws were implanted, among which 250 screws were rated as excellent, 17 as good, and 13 as poor, resulting in a screw placement excellent and good rate of 95.36%. Radiological review revealed that the excellent and good rate of reduction quality was in 91.58% (87/95) in the robot group and 81.48% (66/81) in the control group, with no significant difference in postoperative maximum residual fracture displacement or reduction quality between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 12-66 months, with an average of 28.9 months, and there was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fracture healing time in the robot group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement in VAS scores compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05); the change values of VAS scores, Majeed scores, and the excellent and good rate of Majeed pelvic function were significantly higher in the robot group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Regarding postoperative complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gait changes, secondary surgeries, heterotopic ossification, incision infections, walking difficulties, internal fixation failure, or mortality rates ( P>0.05); however, the incidence of delayed wound healing was significantly lower in the robot group than in the control group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment of elderly FFP is superior to traditional open reduction and internal fixation in terms of surgical trauma control, postoperative rehabilitation speed, and functional recovery.
Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Pelvic Bones/surgery* ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Bone Plates ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Operative Time ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Bone/surgery*

Objective To compare the hematological parameters,biochemical profiles,histopathological characteristics,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism in 8-weeks-old specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade and germ-free(GF)golden hamsters.Methods Twenty 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,with equal numbers of males and females,were utilized in this study.Serum cytokines associated with routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry,and lipid metabolism were quantified using automated hematology and biochemical analyzers,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.The cecum,small intestine,lung,spleen,forestomach,and glandular stomach were examined by histopathology.Results We compared the result between SPF grade and GF golden hamsters at 8 weeks of age.Regarding hematological parameters,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in white blood cell count,hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH),and mean platelet volume between the two groups,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in MCH concentration(MCHC),platelet distribution width(PDW),and lymphocyte count(LYM).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in mean corpuscular volume,MCH,LYM,neutrophil count,basophil count,and basophil percentage,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in MCHC,PDW,lymphocyte percentage,and neutrophil percentage.In terms of biochemical parameters,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,fasting insulin(FINS),and glycosylated serum protein(GSP),and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in triglycerides(TG).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in GSP levels and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in total cholesterol,TG,LDL-C,FINS,and C-peptide levels.For serum cytokines related to lipid metabolism,females showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in interleukin(IL)-10,adiponectin(ADP),and IL-6 levels,and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP).Males showed significant differences(P＜0.05)in hs-CRP levels and highly significant differences(P＜0.001)in ADP and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.Hematoxylin/eosin staining showed that the cecal muscle layer was thinner and the number of crypts attached to the mucous membrane was reduced in GF compared with SPF grade golden hamsters.In addition,the ileocele was enlarged and the number of goblet cells was increased,the alveolar septum was widened,immune cells in the white pulp of the spleen were increased,and the blood content in the blood sinuses was increased.There was also thinning of the anterior gastric mucosa and the basophilic strength of the glandular gastric tube gland was weakened.Conclusions This study established the differences in routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry indicators,histopathological features,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism between 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,to establish preliminary reference ranges.

Objective To evaluate the effects of fecal status and transplantation method on the intestinal flora structure after fecal microbiota transplantation in germ-free mice.Methods Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into three groups:fresh fecal gavage transplantation(group A),frozen fecal gavage transplantation(group B),and frozen fecal rectal transplantation groups(group C).Feces were collected at 2,4 and 6 weeks after transplantation.All mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks to obtain the contents of the small and large intestines.The structure and function of the gut microbiota and dynamic trends in microbial changes were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing.Results The diversity of the small intestine microbes in both the group A and group C were similar to those in the group B,according to α-diversity analysis(P＞0.05),but the diversity of large intestine microbes was significantly increased(P＜0.001).According toβ-diversity analysis,small intestine samples from the group A and group B clustered in the same area,indicating that the microbial community compositions were similar(P＞0.05),but samples from the large intestine were distributed in different areas,showing significant differences(P＜0.001).Small and large intestine samples from the group B and group C were distributed in different areas,with significant differences(P＜0.001).Linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that Bacteroidota were relatively dominant in the group A,while Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria were relatively dominant in the group B and Firmicutes were relatively dominant in the group C.Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 software showed that neither fecal status nor the method of transplantation affected the functions of the microbial community.Conclusions Both fresh fecal gavage and frozen fecal rectal transplantation can enhance the microbial diversity of the large intestine,compared with frozen fecal gavage transplantation.Fecal status does not affect the gut function and colonization trends of the microbiota,whereas the method of transplantation affects the colonization trends but not the functions of the microbiota.

Objective To evaluate the effects of fecal status and transplantation method on the intestinal flora structure after fecal microbiota transplantation in germ-free mice.Methods Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into three groups:fresh fecal gavage transplantation(group A),frozen fecal gavage transplantation(group B),and frozen fecal rectal transplantation groups(group C).Feces were collected at 2,4 and 6 weeks after transplantation.All mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks to obtain the contents of the small and large intestines.The structure and function of the gut microbiota and dynamic trends in microbial changes were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing.Results The diversity of the small intestine microbes in both the group A and group C were similar to those in the group B,according to α-diversity analysis(P＞0.05),but the diversity of large intestine microbes was significantly increased(P＜0.001).According toβ-diversity analysis,small intestine samples from the group A and group B clustered in the same area,indicating that the microbial community compositions were similar(P＞0.05),but samples from the large intestine were distributed in different areas,showing significant differences(P＜0.001).Small and large intestine samples from the group B and group C were distributed in different areas,with significant differences(P＜0.001).Linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that Bacteroidota were relatively dominant in the group A,while Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria were relatively dominant in the group B and Firmicutes were relatively dominant in the group C.Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 software showed that neither fecal status nor the method of transplantation affected the functions of the microbial community.Conclusions Both fresh fecal gavage and frozen fecal rectal transplantation can enhance the microbial diversity of the large intestine,compared with frozen fecal gavage transplantation.Fecal status does not affect the gut function and colonization trends of the microbiota,whereas the method of transplantation affects the colonization trends but not the functions of the microbiota.

Objective:To evaluate the application of mind mapping in combination with scenario simulation teaching based on symptom management theory (SMT) in geriatric symptom nursing education, and to provide a basis for improving the quality of geriatric symptom nursing education.Methods:A total of 80 nursing students who interned in the Department of Geriatric Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2022 to April 2023 were included in the study. They were divided into control group and experimental group according to the order of enrollment, with 40 students in each group. The control group employed traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented a method of mind mapping in combination with scenario simulation teaching based on SMT. The general data, training assessment results, and teaching quality satisfaction were compared and analyzed between the two groups. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for t-test and chi-square test. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in general data such as age, gender, educational background, academic performance, and school of study. The experimental group showed higher scores in geriatric symptom nursing theory assessment [(86.57±8.41) vs. (80.83±9.16), P=0.018] and comprehensive skill assessment [(91.26±7.29) vs. (81.92±8.64), P<0.001], as compared with the control group. The experimental group also showed higher scores in teaching process [(24.52±1.56) vs. (20.18±0.98), P<0.001], teaching methods [(24.49±1.72) vs. (20.65±1.02), P<0.001], teaching effectiveness [(24.35±1.19) vs. (20.01±0.86), P<0.001], teaching content [(24.31±1.83) vs. (20.27±1.21), P<0.001], and overall satisfaction [(97.67±2.80) vs. (81.11±2.53), P<0.001]. Conclusions:The method of mind mapping in combination with scenario simulation teaching based on SMT has a significant positive effect on geriatric symptom nursing education. This method can improve the theoretical and comprehensive skill levels as well as the teaching quality satisfaction of nursing interns.