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 risk factors for ligamentum flavum hypertrophy(LFH)and its correlation with clinical symptoms in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS).Methods The clinical and imaging data of 79 patients with DLSS were collected.Patients were divided into four groups based on LFH severity.Quantitative parameters,including lumbar lordosis(LL),sacral slope(SS),facet tropism,facet joint effusion,intervertebral height index,dural sac cross-sectional area(CSA),epidural fat area,and fat infiltration rate(FIR)of the paraspinal muscle were measured on imaging.One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in these parameters among groups.Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the risk fac-tors for LFH,and the correlation between LFH severity and clinical manifestations was analyzed.Results The results of one-way analy-sis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences among the four groups of patients in terms of sex,body mass index(BMI),LL,epidural fat area and FIR of the multifidus(MF).Multiple linear regression analysis identified that BMI,LL,and epidural fat area as independent risk factors for LFH.Correlation analysis indicated a weak positive association between LFH and dis-ease duration(r=-0.231,P=0.041).Conclusion In DLSS patients,LFH is weakly correlated with disease duration,while BMI,LL,and epidural fat area are risk factors for LFH.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease （MASLD） poses significant threats to patients with diabetes， but there is still a lack of adequate understanding. About two-thirds of the patients with type 2 diabetes are comorbid with MASLD， which significantly increases the risk of liver cirrhosis， liver cancer， and liver-related mortality and is closely associated with the progression of cardiovascular diseases， extrahepatic malignancies， and diabetes. However， the screening and management of MASLD are not taken seriously in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. This consensus report highlights the need for liver fibrosis screening and risk stratification in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes， especially those with obesity， covering the following aspects： the pathophysiological rationale for updated MASLD terminology， the strategies for risk stratification， current treatment regimens （lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy）， long-term monitoring protocols， and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. In addition， it discusses the impact of alcohol consumption on liver health. By enhancing the awareness of MASLD among clinicians and patients and incorporating liver fibrosis screening into standard diabetes management， it is expected to improve the long-term prognosis of patients and reduce the incidence rate of liver cirrhosis.

This report described the diagnosis and management of a 28-year-old pregnant woman with ectopic pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder. At 27 +5 weeks of gestation, the patient developed sudden headache and hypertension [peak blood pressure 173/116 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)] following urination, initially misdiagnosed as preeclampsia. Ultrasonography and MRI revealed a 4.2 cm×3.0 cm×3.3 cm mass in the bladder trigone, with significantly elevated plasma normetanephrine levels confirming ectopic pheochromocytoma. Following multidisciplinary consultation, blood pressure was controlled with phenoxybenzamine and labetalol. Pregnancy was prolonged to 35 weeks when cesarean delivery was performed with concurrent complete tumor resection. Pathology confirmed bladder paraganglioma, with favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. This case highlights the importance of differential diagnosis for secondary hypertension during pregnancy, emphasizing that early diagnosis and individualized management are crucial for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for ligamentum flavum hypertrophy(LFH)and its correlation with clinical symptoms in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS).Methods The clinical and imaging data of 79 patients with DLSS were collected.Patients were divided into four groups based on LFH severity.Quantitative parameters,including lumbar lordosis(LL),sacral slope(SS),facet tropism,facet joint effusion,intervertebral height index,dural sac cross-sectional area(CSA),epidural fat area,and fat infiltration rate(FIR)of the paraspinal muscle were measured on imaging.One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in these parameters among groups.Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the risk fac-tors for LFH,and the correlation between LFH severity and clinical manifestations was analyzed.Results The results of one-way analy-sis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences among the four groups of patients in terms of sex,body mass index(BMI),LL,epidural fat area and FIR of the multifidus(MF).Multiple linear regression analysis identified that BMI,LL,and epidural fat area as independent risk factors for LFH.Correlation analysis indicated a weak positive association between LFH and dis-ease duration(r=-0.231,P=0.041).Conclusion In DLSS patients,LFH is weakly correlated with disease duration,while BMI,LL,and epidural fat area are risk factors for LFH.

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.

This report described the diagnosis and management of a 28-year-old pregnant woman with ectopic pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder. At 27 +5 weeks of gestation, the patient developed sudden headache and hypertension [peak blood pressure 173/116 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)] following urination, initially misdiagnosed as preeclampsia. Ultrasonography and MRI revealed a 4.2 cm×3.0 cm×3.3 cm mass in the bladder trigone, with significantly elevated plasma normetanephrine levels confirming ectopic pheochromocytoma. Following multidisciplinary consultation, blood pressure was controlled with phenoxybenzamine and labetalol. Pregnancy was prolonged to 35 weeks when cesarean delivery was performed with concurrent complete tumor resection. Pathology confirmed bladder paraganglioma, with favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. This case highlights the importance of differential diagnosis for secondary hypertension during pregnancy, emphasizing that early diagnosis and individualized management are crucial for optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.

Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.