Objective To analyze and compare the efficacy of DNA barcode,i.e.,Cytochrome b(Cytb)and 12S ribosomal RNA(12S rRNA)gene sequences,in the species identification of wildlife.Methods DNA extraction,quantification,PCR amplification of Cytb and 12S rRNA gene fragments,Sanger sequencing,and sequence alignment analysis were performed on ten wildlife samples.Results Both gene fragments were successfully amplified in six samples,while Cytb alone was successfully amplified in 1 sample,and 12S rRNA alone in 3 samples.Sequence analysis indicated that Cytb enabled species-level identification for 6 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Streptopelia orientalis,Phasianus colchicus,Falco naumanni,Myiopsitta monachus and Lynx lynx)and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Lepus).In contrast,12S rRNA achieved species-level identificaggion for 8 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Lepus sinensis,Phasianus colchicus,Myiopsitta monachus,Muntiacus reevesi,Macaca mulatta and Lynx lynx),representing seven species,and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Falco).However,by combining Cytb and 12S rRNA,all samples could be identified to the species level.Conclusion When applying DNA barcodes to wildlife identification,the Cytb and 12S rRNA gene regions analyzed here can effectively identify common species such as Gallinula chloropus and Streptopelia orientalis,but face difficulties in distinguishing closely related species within the same genus.Therefore,when conducting wildlife species identification,it is recommended to use two or more DNA barcode markers.

Objective To analyze and compare the efficacy of DNA barcode,i.e.,Cytochrome b(Cytb)and 12S ribosomal RNA(12S rRNA)gene sequences,in the species identification of wildlife.Methods DNA extraction,quantification,PCR amplification of Cytb and 12S rRNA gene fragments,Sanger sequencing,and sequence alignment analysis were performed on ten wildlife samples.Results Both gene fragments were successfully amplified in six samples,while Cytb alone was successfully amplified in 1 sample,and 12S rRNA alone in 3 samples.Sequence analysis indicated that Cytb enabled species-level identification for 6 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Streptopelia orientalis,Phasianus colchicus,Falco naumanni,Myiopsitta monachus and Lynx lynx)and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Lepus).In contrast,12S rRNA achieved species-level identificaggion for 8 samples(Gallinula chloropus,Lepus sinensis,Phasianus colchicus,Myiopsitta monachus,Muntiacus reevesi,Macaca mulatta and Lynx lynx),representing seven species,and genus-level identification for 1 sample(Falco).However,by combining Cytb and 12S rRNA,all samples could be identified to the species level.Conclusion When applying DNA barcodes to wildlife identification,the Cytb and 12S rRNA gene regions analyzed here can effectively identify common species such as Gallinula chloropus and Streptopelia orientalis,but face difficulties in distinguishing closely related species within the same genus.Therefore,when conducting wildlife species identification,it is recommended to use two or more DNA barcode markers.

Bovine neosporosis,a significant disease affecting the livestock industry,is caused by the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum(N.caninum).The current absence of efficacious vaccines and therapeutics necessitates the exploration of novel interventions.Cordycepin,a bioactive nucleo-side derived from Cordyceps militaris,has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological properties.This study endeavors to elucidate the inhibitory effects of cordycepin on N.caninum in-fection.The cytotoxicity of cordycepin to bovine macrophages was assessed using the CCK-8 assay to ascertain a non-toxic concentration range.The impact of cordycepin on the N.caninum burden within bovine macrophages was evaluated using qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence assays.Additionally,the modulation of cytokine,interferon,and defensin expression induced by N.cani-num in the presence of cordycepin was examined through qRT-PCR analysis.The results showed that cordycepin exhibited negligible cytotoxicity to bovine macrophages at concentrations ranging from 2.812 5 to 180.000 0 μmol/L,compared to the control group.At concentrations of 5.625 0,11.250 0,and 22.500 0 μmol/L,cordycepin significantly reduced the intracellular N.caninum loads and diminished the intensity of intracellular parasite fluorescence.While N.caninum infection downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,cordycepin treatment robustly induced their expression.Furthermore,although cordycepin treatment reduced the expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,and IFN-γ that were upregulated by N.caninum infection,it maintained substantial expression levels.In conclusion,cordycepin demon-strates a promising resistance against N.caninum infection,suggesting its potential as a therapeu-tic agent for the treatment of bovine neosporosis.

Bovine neosporosis,a significant disease affecting the livestock industry,is caused by the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum(N.caninum).The current absence of efficacious vaccines and therapeutics necessitates the exploration of novel interventions.Cordycepin,a bioactive nucleo-side derived from Cordyceps militaris,has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological properties.This study endeavors to elucidate the inhibitory effects of cordycepin on N.caninum in-fection.The cytotoxicity of cordycepin to bovine macrophages was assessed using the CCK-8 assay to ascertain a non-toxic concentration range.The impact of cordycepin on the N.caninum burden within bovine macrophages was evaluated using qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence assays.Additionally,the modulation of cytokine,interferon,and defensin expression induced by N.cani-num in the presence of cordycepin was examined through qRT-PCR analysis.The results showed that cordycepin exhibited negligible cytotoxicity to bovine macrophages at concentrations ranging from 2.812 5 to 180.000 0 μmol/L,compared to the control group.At concentrations of 5.625 0,11.250 0,and 22.500 0 μmol/L,cordycepin significantly reduced the intracellular N.caninum loads and diminished the intensity of intracellular parasite fluorescence.While N.caninum infection downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,cordycepin treatment robustly induced their expression.Furthermore,although cordycepin treatment reduced the expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,and IFN-γ that were upregulated by N.caninum infection,it maintained substantial expression levels.In conclusion,cordycepin demon-strates a promising resistance against N.caninum infection,suggesting its potential as a therapeu-tic agent for the treatment of bovine neosporosis.

BACKGROUND: Extreme temperature events, including extreme cold, are becoming more frequent worldwide, which might be harmful to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to low ambient temperature in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and to summarize the evidence herein. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase electronic databases until November 2021. Studies involving low ambient temperature, preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth were included. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses were followed to conduct this study risk of bias and methods for data synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included. First, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13). Subgroup analyses revealed that exposure during late pregnancy was more likely to induce preterm birth. In addition, only pregnant women exposed to <1st percentile of the mean temperature suffered increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, pregnant women living in medium or hot areas were more prone to have preterm births than those in cold areas when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Asians and Blacks were more susceptible to low ambient temperatures than Caucasians. Second, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of low birth weight (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Third, pregnant women had an increased risk of stillbirth while exposed to low ambient temperature during the entire pregnancy (RR 4.63; 95% CI 3.99-5.38). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to extremely low ambient temperature (<1st percentile of the mean temperature), especially in their late pregnancy. This study could provide clues for preventing adverse outcomes from meteorological factors. REGISTRATION No. CRD42021259776 at PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).
Pregnancy ; Infant, Newborn ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Premature Birth/epidemiology* ; Stillbirth/epidemiology* ; Temperature ; Pregnancy Complications

Objective The aim of our study was to establish an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgical training model, and to examine its application value. Methods The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgical training models were made.After assessments,the models was used for endoscopic operation training for 8 neurosurgeons with no experiences of endoscopic operation. Results The available operating space of this model is similar to the actual operating space in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. The egg fixed on the model has many layers of structure, such as eggshell, shell membrane, egg white and egg yolk, which constituted a good practice object. All students indicated that they could benefit from the training using this model. The skill in grinding the eggshell [(1.07 ± 0.221)cm2/min vs.(1.45±0.27)cm2/min, P<0.001]was significantly improved and the chance for shell membrane rupture (8 vs. 2, P=0.007) was significantly reduced in the last-time practice compared with the first-time practice (P<0.001). Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgical training model is helpful for neurosurgeons to practice the basic operation of endoscopic surgery and to improve their surgical skills,and can be used repeatedly.It can be used in basic operation training before the training using cadaver cranium.

Objective To investigate the distance change of bilateral internal carotid artery in acromegalic patients. Methods Twenty patients with acromegaly were included in this study from August 2016 to March 2018 in Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. There were 7 males and 13 females with an average age of 40.2±12.6 years (range from 21 to 62 years old). Forty sex and age matched patients with non-functional pituitary adenoma were selected as controls. The 3D printing software was used for reconstructing the internal carotid artery. Distances of the bilateral internal carotid arteries were measured on the reconstructed images. Results The maximum distance between bilateral siphon carotid ectasias (25.1±3.9 mm vs. 23.2±2.9 mm, P=0.041) and distance between bilateral lacerum segments (26.2 ±3.1 mm vs. 23.8 ±4.1 mm, P=0.022) were significantly longer in patients with acromegaly than in those without. Although the distance between bilateral cavernous segments (20.7 ±4.3 mm vs. 22.4 ±3.1 mm, P=0.076) tended to be shorter, the difference was not statistically significant. The distance between bilateral ophthalmic segments was not significantly different between the two groups (15.7±5.1 mm vs. 16.0±2.5 mm, P=0.783). Conclusion The distance of bilateral internal carotid artery of acromegalic patients is different from that of patients with non-functional pituitary adenomas. Patients with acromegaly have significantly longer distance between bilateral siphon carotid ectasias and distance between bilateral lacerum segments compared with the patients with non- functional pituitary adenomas.

Objective To study the risk factors of the biochemical remission of pituitary tumor patients with acromegaly treated by the endoscopic endonasal surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on 61 cases acromegaly patients underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery between August 2013- November 2016.Endocrinology tests were performed in all patients,including the fasting/random GH(growth hormone,GH)level, Nadir GH during OGTT(oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT), and IGF-1(insulin-like growth factor-1,IGF-1). The clinical data included gender, age, preoperative GH value, preoperative IGF-1 value, tumor invasion of the inferface space of internal carotid artery(ICA),tumor surrounding angle of internal carotid artery(≥/<135°),Knosp grade, Hardy grade, and tumor volume. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic retrospective analysis were used to analyze the association between above-mentioned factors and the occurrence of biochemical remission. Results There were 52.5% (32/61)patients achieving biochemical remission.Univariate analysis showed significant differences between patients with and without biochemical remission in preoperative GH value, tumor surrounding angle of internal carotid artery(

Objective To establish the xenotransplanted tumor model of Craniopharyngioma in chick chorioallan?toic membrane (CAM) and detect the angiogenesis ability, microvessel density (MVD) and cell proliferation of the xeno?graft. Method Craniopharyngioma tissues from surgical craniopharyngioma patients were transplanted on the CAM. An?giogenesis assay was performed and the MVD and PCNA were evaluated using immunohistochemistry following the trans?plantation. Results The tumor formation rate of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and squamous papillary cra?niopharyngioma (SPCP) was 47.14% and 43.33%, respectively. There was no significant difference in tumor formation rate between ACP and SPCP(χ2=0.123,P=0.726). The CAM angiogenesis, MVD and expression of PCNA were higher in ACP than in SPCP. The expression of PCNA was positively correlated with MVD (Pearson r=0.639,P<0.001) and CAM assay score (Spearman r=0.490,P=0.001 ) in CP. Conclusion The model of human craniopharyngioma can be es?tablished in the CAM. The angiogenesis of the xenograft in the CAM can be evaluated and the craniopharyngioma xeno?graft of CAM possesses a new blood circulation and cell proliferation ability.

Objective To assess the clinical effect of lumboperitoneal shunting (LPS) on communicating hydrocephalus.Methods An retrospectively study was conducted on communicating hydrocephalus patients who were hospitalized from Sep.2009 and Dec.2013 at the No.174th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army.All patients were underwent the LPS.All patients were with difference degrees of coma,and lumbar punctured for continued cerebrospinal fluid extended drainage before LPS.The change of disturbance of consciousness and the complications of LPS were assessed.Results There were 12 patients with communicating hydrocephalus.Of them,7 cases were underwent routine lumboperitoneal shunts,and 5 cases were experienced adjustment valve.After the LPS operation,3 patients were awakened from the coma,and 8 patients were improved in terms of consciousness and the decompression pressure of skull window as well as decreased enlarged lateral ventricles in pre-operation by CT.As for another 1 patient,the lumboperitoneal catheter had been slipped into the peritoneal cavity after 2 months of operation.There were no complications of infection,intracranial hemorrhages,obstruction of catheter and epilepsy.Conclusion The LPS should be the first selection of those patients who suffered from communicating hydrocephalus without trouble in spine and abdomen.A positive response to pre-operative continuing cerebrospinal fluid extend drainage is good prediction factor for surgical results of LPS.