Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on cisplatin(CDDP)-induced liver injury in the mice,and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice with body weights of 18-22 g were randomly divided into control group,model group,AS-Ⅳ group and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)inhibitor(Compound C)+AS-Ⅳ group.The mice in control group and model group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline,and the drug was administered continuously for 9 d.The mice in AS-Ⅳ group and Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were given AS-Ⅳ aqueous solution(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),respectively.On the 6th day of experiment,the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were intraperitoneally injected with Compound C(20 mg·kg-1),and on the 7th day,except for control group,the mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg·kg-1 CDDP to establish the mouse liver injury models,and the mice were sacrificed 48 h later.Serum and liver tissues were collected,and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in the serum of the mice,as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in the liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by kits.The pathomorphology of liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by HE staining.The expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)and ferroptosis inhibitory protein 1(FSP1)proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression levels of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by Western blotting method.Results:Compared with control group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in model group were increased(P＜0.01),the activities of SOD and CAT in the liver tissue were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the MDA level was increased(P＜0.01);compared with model group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.01),the MDA level in the liver tissue was decreased(P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD and CAT were increased(P＜0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group(P＜0.01),the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P＜0.01),the level of MDA in liver tissue was increased(P＜0.05),and the activities SOD and CAT were decreased(P＜0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the liver damage degree of the mice in model group was enhanced,the hepatocyte arrangement was disordered,and some hepatocyte edema were increased;compared with model group,the liver morphology of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group returned to normal;compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the hepatocyte arrangement of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group was disordered and the edges were blurred.The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P＜0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P＜0.05);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P＜0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳgroup were increased(P＜0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion:AS-Ⅳ can alleviate the CDDP-induced liver injury,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and ferroptosis by AS-Ⅳ.

Objective To explore the relationship between alterations of neural network plasticity and spatial learning and memory functions in mouse models with depression-like behaviors.Methods C57Thy1-YFP/GAD67-GFP mice were randomized into control group(with no treatment)and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group(n=15)subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks.Depression-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test,open field test,and forced swimming test,and their spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using Morris water maze test.The changes in the firing patterns of different neuronal subtypes were detected in the central nucleus of the amygdala(CeA)and the prelimbic cortex(PrL)using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.Results Compared with the control mice,CUMS mice showed significantly decreased sucrose preference,total distance moved,number of grid-crossings,entries into the central area,and time spent in the central area in the open field test(P<0.01).In the forced swimming test,CUMS mice exhibited obviously shortened time of struggling,swimming,and climbing with increased immobility time.In Morris water maze test,CUMS mice showed significantly increased escape latency and path length,decreased percentage of distance and swimming time within the target quadrant,and increased first entry latency into the target zone and swimming time within the opposite quadrant.Exposure to CUMS resulted in significantly enhanced energy barrier and increased absolute refractory period and inter-spike interval of glutamatergic neurons in the CeA and GABAergic neurons in the PrL,while the opposite changes were observed in GABAergic neurons in the CeA and glutamatergic neurons in the PrL.Conclusion CUMS-induced depression may lead to plastic changes in the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks within the CeA and PrL to cause impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities in mice.

Objective To explore the relationship between alterations of neural network plasticity and spatial learning and memory functions in mouse models with depression-like behaviors.Methods C57Thy1-YFP/GAD67-GFP mice were randomized into control group(with no treatment)and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group(n=15)subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks.Depression-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test,open field test,and forced swimming test,and their spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using Morris water maze test.The changes in the firing patterns of different neuronal subtypes were detected in the central nucleus of the amygdala(CeA)and the prelimbic cortex(PrL)using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.Results Compared with the control mice,CUMS mice showed significantly decreased sucrose preference,total distance moved,number of grid-crossings,entries into the central area,and time spent in the central area in the open field test(P<0.01).In the forced swimming test,CUMS mice exhibited obviously shortened time of struggling,swimming,and climbing with increased immobility time.In Morris water maze test,CUMS mice showed significantly increased escape latency and path length,decreased percentage of distance and swimming time within the target quadrant,and increased first entry latency into the target zone and swimming time within the opposite quadrant.Exposure to CUMS resulted in significantly enhanced energy barrier and increased absolute refractory period and inter-spike interval of glutamatergic neurons in the CeA and GABAergic neurons in the PrL,while the opposite changes were observed in GABAergic neurons in the CeA and glutamatergic neurons in the PrL.Conclusion CUMS-induced depression may lead to plastic changes in the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal networks within the CeA and PrL to cause impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities in mice.

Objective:To observe the effect of disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the treatment of patients with renal calculi.Methods:Sixty patients with kidney calculi treated by disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Medical College from February 2021 to January 2024 were retrospectively selected as the observation group, matched according to age (±5 years) and gender factors, according to the random number table method, 60 patients with kidney calculi who were treated with disposable ureteroscopy combined with laser lithotripsy at the same time were selected as the control group. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, operation time and hospital stay were recorded and compared between the two groups. Serum renal function parameters urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer before and 3 days after surgery, and serum inflammatory factor C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of complications was recorded and compared between the two groups. Measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups. The count data were expressed as the number of cases and percentage, and the Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Results:The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and hospital stay in the observation group [(23.2±5.9) mL, (98.8±8.5) min, (4.2±1.0) d, respectively] were all lower than those in the control group [(27.3±6.5) mL, (112.5±9.8) min, (4.7±1.3) d, respectively], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The success rate of stone removal in the observation group was 100.00% (60/60), higher than that in the control group (81.67%, 49/60), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=10.01, P=0.002). 3 days after surgery, the levels of serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, CRP and IL-6 in the observation group [(7.04±1.24) mmol/L, (73.21±6.87) μmol/L, (15.83±2.57) mg/L, (10.52±1.02) ng/L] were lower than those in the control group [(7.63±1.32) mmol/L, (78.59±7.52) μmol/L, (21.32±3.22) mg/L, (15.47±1.35) ng/L], the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group (3.33%) was lower than that in the control group (13.33%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.93, P=0.048). Conclusion:Disposable flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscope sheath implantation in the treatment of patients with renal calculi can improve the protection of renal function, improve the stone removal rate of patients, reduce postoperative blood loss and complications, shorten the operation time and hospital stay, improve inflammatory response, and have good clinical efficacy.

Specific tumor-targeted gene delivery remains an unsolved therapeutic issue due to aberrant vascularization in tumor microenvironment (TME). Some bacteria exhibit spontaneous chemotaxis toward the anaerobic and immune-suppressive TME, which makes them ideal natural vehicles for cancer gene therapy. Here, we conjugated ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks encapsulating eukaryotic murine interleukin 2 (Il2) expression plasmid onto the surface of VNP20009, an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain with well-documented anti-cancer activity, and constructed a TME-targeted Il2 delivery system named Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella maintained the tumor-targeting feature of bacteria, and could be effectively phagocytosed by intratumoral macrophages, thus leading to the expression and secretion of IL2 in TME. The detailed analysis of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) showed that one dose of combinatorial Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella achieved synergistic actions on a potent remodeling of TIME, marked by the activation of cytotoxic T cells and M1-polarization of macrophages in TME, thus leading to significant anti-tumor effects in melanoma, orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma, and pulmonary metastasis models. More importantly, Il2/ZIF-8@Salmonella exhibited high safety to major organs and hematopoietic systems. Taken together, we report a novel plasmid/ZIF-8@Salmonella system that simultaneously achieves effective TME-targeted delivery of therapeutic gene, as well as synergistic re-activation of TIME.

Objective: To explore the relationship between mobile phone dependence (MPD) and academic burden among junior middle school students in Guizhou Province, under the "double reduction" policy by using a multi level model, so as to provide a basis for preventing the occurrence of MPD. Methods: From December 2021 to January 2022, 7 868 students from grade 1 to grade 3 in 3 cities (prefecture) of Guizhou Province were selected by multi stage stratification random sampling method, and on site investigation was conducted by self compiled questionnaire and Self rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use(SQAPMPU). Using MLwiN 2.30 to fit a multi level model of the relationship between MPD and academic burden among junior middle school students. Results: The MPD detection rate of junior middle school students in Guizhou Province was 20.9%. The multi level model revealed that MPD of junior middle school students was clustered at the level of school and class ( χ 2= 1 565.32 , P <0.01), and high perceived academic pressure had a positive predictive effect on MPD among junior middle school students ( β =1.96). Homework duration ≥90 min/d at weekends had a negative predictive effect on MPD ( β =-0.55), while participation in off campus training on learning days had a positive predictive effect ( β =1.66)( P <0.05). Conclusion The MPD occurrence level is higher among junior middle school students in Guizhou Province. Perceived academic pressure, time spent on homework during weekends, off campus training and other academic burdens have an impact on MPD among junior middle school students, which should be a cause of concern for schools, families and social departments.

【Objective】 To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteroscope or flexible ureteroscope combined with balloon dilatation in the treatment of ureteral stricture with renal calculi in transplanted kidney. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 9 patients treated in our hospital during 2016 and 2022 were reviewed. The changes of the width of hydronephrosis, levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, reoperation, and re-dwelling of stents were analyzed. 【Results】 One patient failed the operation because the guide wire could not be inserted, and the other 8 patients successfully completed the surgery. The stents were removed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. During the follow-up of 8 to 48 months, no recurrence of renal calculi occurred; 5 patients had no recurrence of ureteral stricture; 3 patients (cases 4, 6, 9) underwent regular ureteral stent replacement due to hydronephrosis; the width of hydronephrosis, creatinine and urea nitrogen levels of 8 patients were significantly improved (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Ureteroscope/flexible with balloon dilatation is safe and effective in the treatment of transplanted kidney with ureteral stricture and kidney stones.

Objective:To figure out variety of the plasma level of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin(α1-AT) in patients who undergo AKI following cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB), and whether this biomarker serve as a competent predictor.Methods:We recruited 75 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB from January 2018 to January 2019. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the development of AKI. The relationship between plasma concentration of α1-AT and renal injury in two groups was analyzed.Results:27 patients in the AKI group were aged (54.3±12.2)years old, including 15 males and 12 females, the time of cardiopulmonary bypass was(133.5±34.7)min. In the non-AKI group, 48 cases were aged(47.7±11.3)years old, including 26 males and 22 females, and the time of cardiopulmonary bypass was(133.5±34.7)min. α1-AT was significantly decreased in AKI group at 1 h after operation[(0.53±0.53)g/L vs. (1.46±0.91)g/L, P<0.05]compared with the non-AKI group. The sensitivity and specificity of α1-antitrypsin level at 1h after operation was the highest when α1-AT was 0.675 g/L. CPB time ( OR=5.890, 95% CI: 1.078-32.173) and age ( OR=4.427, 95% CI: 1.113-17.614) were independent risk factors for AKI after surgery, and α1-AT at 1h after CPB ( OR=0.084, 95% CI: 0.021-0.333) were protective factors after operation. Conclusion:Increased concentration of α1-AT after cardiopulmonary bypass at early time is a protective factor for AKI and the concentration of α1-AT in plasma could be used as an early biomarker of AKI after CPB.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of high-pressure carbon monoxide for preservation of ex vivo rabbit heart graft in comparison with the conventional HTK cardioplegic solution preservation. Methods Heart grafts isolated from 85 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into Naive group (n=5), HTK group (n=40) and CO group (n=40). The grafts underwent no preservation procedures in Naive group, preserved at 4 ℃ in HTK cardioplegic solution in HTK group, and preserved at 4℃in a high-pressure tank (PO2:PCO=3200 hPa:800 hPa) in CO group with Krebs-Henseleit solution perfusion but without cardioplegic solution. After preservation for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, and 24 h, 5 grafts from the two preservation groups were perfused for 30 min with a modified Langendorff apparatus and examined for left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), arrhythmia score (AS), myocardial ultrestructure, and cardiac enzyme profiles. Results After preservation for 6 to 24 h, the cardiac enzyme profiles and systolic and diastolic functions were significantly better in CO group than in HTK group, but these differences were not obvious between the two groups after graft preservation for 2 to 4 h. Significant changes in the myocardial ultrastructures occurred in the isolated hearts after a 24-h preservation in both CO and HTK groups, but the myocardial damages were milder in CO group. Conclusion Preservation using high-pressure carbon monoxide can better protect isolated rabbit heart graft than the conventional HTK preservation approach especially for prolonged graft preservation.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of high-pressure carbon monoxide for preservation of ex vivo rabbit heart graft in comparison with the conventional HTK cardioplegic solution preservation. Methods Heart grafts isolated from 85 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into Naive group (n=5), HTK group (n=40) and CO group (n=40). The grafts underwent no preservation procedures in Naive group, preserved at 4 ℃ in HTK cardioplegic solution in HTK group, and preserved at 4℃in a high-pressure tank (PO2:PCO=3200 hPa:800 hPa) in CO group with Krebs-Henseleit solution perfusion but without cardioplegic solution. After preservation for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, and 24 h, 5 grafts from the two preservation groups were perfused for 30 min with a modified Langendorff apparatus and examined for left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), arrhythmia score (AS), myocardial ultrestructure, and cardiac enzyme profiles. Results After preservation for 6 to 24 h, the cardiac enzyme profiles and systolic and diastolic functions were significantly better in CO group than in HTK group, but these differences were not obvious between the two groups after graft preservation for 2 to 4 h. Significant changes in the myocardial ultrastructures occurred in the isolated hearts after a 24-h preservation in both CO and HTK groups, but the myocardial damages were milder in CO group. Conclusion Preservation using high-pressure carbon monoxide can better protect isolated rabbit heart graft than the conventional HTK preservation approach especially for prolonged graft preservation.