ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.

Objective: To understand current state of physical health levels of first year students in different body mass index (BMI) categories in Ningxia universities, and to explore the correlation between BMI and physical fitness index (PFI), so as to provide a reference for enhancing physical health levels of university students. Methods: In November 2024, physical fitness test data from 16 631 first year students across four universities in Yinchuan City, Ningxia from 2019 to 2023 were collected by adopting convenience and stratified cluster random sampling methods. The PFI was calculated using the Z score of the physical fitness test results, and a nonlinear quadratic model was established via least squares regression to examine the relationship between BMI and PFI among university students. Results: The BMI for males was (21.69±3.53)kg/m 2, while for females was (20.78±2.94)kg/m 2. The composite score for males physical fitness (69.86±9.25) was lower than that for females (72.24± 8.15 ), with a statistically significant difference ( t =-17.54, P <0.01). Moreover, the failure rates of various physical fitness indicators (vital capacity, sit and reach, standing long jump, pull ups/1 minute sit ups, 1 000 m/800 m run) were higher among males than females ( χ 2=103.48, 72.45, 14.38, 5 134.85, 188.89, all P <0.01). Comparisons across BMI categories revealed that among males, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 000 m sprint, composite score, and PFI ( F =89.17, 113.90, 179.02, 573.35, 593.08); among female students, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, sit and reach, 800 m run, composite score, and PFI ( F =10.67, 19.58 , 96.45, 294.05, 183.45) (all P <0.01). The relationship between BMI and PFI among first year students exhibited a parabolic change trend, students with a moderate BMI demonstrated higher PFI, and as BMI increased, PFI decreased (all P <0.01). Conclusions The physical health level of male students in Ningxia universities is lower than that of female students. There is a correlation between BMI classification and PFI. Tailored intervention measures should be implemented according to the physical characteristics of students across different genders and BMI classifications to enhance university students physical health.

Gallbladder carcinoma,a relatively rare malignancy within the biliary tract,presents a grave prognosis primarily due to asymptomatic early stages leading to advanced stage diagnosis and the absence of efficacious treatment options.Research has identified chronic inflammation,predom-inantly caused by gallstones,as a critical etiological factor.While surgical intervention offers potential curative outcomes in early stages,the majority of cases are identified too late for optimal surgical outcomes.Chemotherapy and targeted therapy,despite offering new therapeutic avenues,have not significantly improved overall survival rates.Thus,understanding the pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer,especially its association with key genetic and molecular pathways,is imperative for devising novel therapeutic strategies.This review delineates the epidemiology,pathogenesis,current treat-ment modalities,and research advancements in gallbladder cancer,aiming to provide innovative in-sights for clinical management and guide future research endeavors.

The n-butanol fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus 70% ethanol extract was separated and purified using column chromatography with MCI Gel CHP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, and silica gel, combined with semi preparative liquid phase and TLC separation methods. One new halogenated 4,5-seco-eudesmane sesquiterpenoid and two new eremophilane sesquiterpenoids were isolated and purified from the n-butanol fraction of Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified using modern spectroscopic methods (1D, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.), and the absolute configuration of the new compounds were determined using the methods of calculated ECD and induced ECD.

Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection (RDN) and penicillin G injection (PG) by detecting the correlation between serum biochemical indexes and plasma metabonomic characteristics, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions caused by the combination of RDN and PG. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). The changes of biochemical indexes in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that RDN combined with PG could cause pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) activated by complement pathway. Further investigation was carried out at different time intervals (1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 h PG+RDN). It was found that sequential administration within 3.5 h could cause significant PARs. However, PARs were significantly reduced after administration interval of more than 4 h. LC-MS was used for plasma metabolomics analysis, and the levels of serum biochemical indicators and plasma metabolic profile characteristics were compared in parallel. 22 differential metabolites showed similar or opposite trends to biochemical indicators before and after 3.5 h. And enriched to 10 PARs-related pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In conclusion, there is a risk "time interval window" phenomenon in the adverse drug reactions caused by the sequential use of RDN and PG, and the interval medication after the "time interval window" can significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and β-lactam allergens in the combination of the two may be mainly regulated by PLD1, PLA2G12A and CYP1A1. The three upstream signal target proteins mainly activate the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, promote the degranulation of mast cells, release downstream endogenous inflammatory mediators, and induce PARs.

Objective To study the effect of high mobility group box B1(HMGB1)gene knockout on alleviating a-cute lung injury and inhibiting toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-KB(NF-κB)pathway of sepsis mice.Methods Wild-type(WT)mice were divided into WT-Sham group and WT-model group,and HMGB1 knockout(KO)mice were divided into KO-sham group and KO-model group.Sepsis ALI model was established by cecal ligation and perforation in WT-model group and KO-model group.Sham operation was performed in WT-Sham group and KO-Sham group.24 h after modeling,the partial pressure of arterial oxygen(PaO2)was detected,oxy-genation index(OI)was calculated,pathological changes of lung tissue were detected and lung injury score was calculated,the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β),interleukin-6(IL-6),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),in serum and lung tissues and the expression of HMGB1,TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissues were detected.Results The PaO2,OI and the concentration of SOD in serum and lung tissue of WT-model group were lower than those of WT-Sham group,the lung injury scores,the concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,ROS and MDA in serum and lung tissue,and the expression levels of HMGB1,TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissue were higher than those in WT-Sham group(P＜0.05).HMGB1 was not expressed in lung tissue of KO-model group,and the concentrations of PaO2,OI and the concentration of SOD in serum and lung tissue of KO-model group were higher than those of WT-model group,the lung injury scores,the concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,ROS and MDA in serum and lung tissue,and the expression levels of TLR4 and nuclear NF-κB in lung tissue were lower than those of the WT-model group(P＜0.05).Conclusion HMGB1 gene knockout alleviates acute lung injury of sepsis mice,the re-lated molecular mechanism may be the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway mediated inflammation and oxidative stress.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) comes from tumor, reflecting the genetic information of the tumor well, and will change with the progress of tumor. In recent years, the unique capabilities of ctDNA have attracted much attention and been widely studied. In this paper, based on the summary of the source, properties and sample processing of ctDNA, its detection technology and application in cancer diagnosis and treatment are reviewed. The roles and importance of ctDNA reference material in second-generation sequencing are described. The urgency of establishing uniform standards and specifications of ctDNA in various processes, such as samples collection, storage, quantitative testing and data analysis, has been pointed out.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P＞0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.