BACKGROUND:Currently,different methods of model establishment have been derived from different injury modes of spinal cord injury.Traditional physical injury modeling methods have their own advantages and disadvantages,and there is a lack of more effective and stable animal models of spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To establish a reproducible,controllable,trauma-free,low-mortality,more stable,widely applicable,and short-term postoperative care rat model of spinal cord injury. METHODS:Forty Sprague-Dawley rats with similar body mass and ages were randomly divided into a control group and an improved group,with 20 rats in each group.Animal models of spinal cord injury in the control group were constructed using a clip model method,while the improved group used a modified ligation method based on the compression method to make the spinal cord injury models using suture ligation based on fenestration.Postoperative comparisons were made between the two groups,assessing urination behavior,hematuria,pyuria(infection rate),mortality,scoliosis rate and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores at 1,3,5,and 7 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the conventional modeling method,the modified ligation method based on the compression method resulted in faster recovery of urination behavior,lower hematuria rate,lower infection rate,lower mortality rate,lower scoliosis rate,and more concentrated and stable Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores(all below 2 points within 1 week).This proves that the modified ligation method based on compression is more suitable for the establishment of spinal cord injury models in rats.

Objective To explore the impact of insomnia status in university students on cognitive flexi-bility.Methods The cluster sampling method was adopted.A total of 802 undergraduates in a university of Chongqing conducted the questionnaire survey by cognitive flexibility inventory(CFI)and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI).A total of 770 effective questionnaires were recovered.Sixty-six university student vol-unteers were recruited as the study subjects.The subjects with the PSQI≥8 points and being in insomnia state after interview served as the insomnia group(n=28)and the subjects with the PSQI＜8 points and not being in insomnia state after interview served as the control group(n=38).The study subjects all participated in behavioral study(adopting the number-letter transition task assesses the cognitive flexibility of the subjects).The differences in the reaction time,accuracy rate and switching cost were compared between the two groups.Results The total scores of CFI and PSQI in the university students group were(70.43±12.85)points and(6.37±3.29)points,respectively.The detection rate of insomnia was 33.77％(260/770).The CFI score in in-somnia individual was significantly lower than that in the sleep normal individual,and the difference was sta-tistically significant[(68.15±11.65)points vs.(71.59±13.28)points,P＜0.05].The Spearman partial correlation analysis indicated that the cognitive flexibility was negatively correlated with the PSQI total score(r=-0.22),subjective sleep quality(r=-0.22),sleep latency(r=-0.12),sleep disorders(r=-0.16),hypnotic drug use(r=-0.14)and daytime dysfunction(r=-0.16).The average reaction time,reaction time for repeat trials,reaction time for switch trials and switching cost in the insomnia group were longer than those in the control group,the CFI score and switch trial accuracy rate were lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The cognitive flexibility of the university students with insomnia is lower than that of the university students with normal sleep.The insom-nia status should be intervened.

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 identify the potential long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium key to RA onset and investigate its association with immune cell infiltration. Methods RA synovium data were downloaded from the GEO database and normalized. The lncRNAs key to RA onset were identified using multiple machine learning methods. Infiltration of 22 immune cell populations in RA synovium was measured by cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBER-SORT). The relationship between the key lncRNA and infiltrating immune cells was analyzed. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was applied to validate the expression of the key lncRNA in RA synovial cells. Results lncRNA human leukocyte antigen complex P5(HCP5) was identified as the key lncRNA associated with RA onset. Infiltration analysis revealed increased abundance of CD8⁺ T cells, γδ T cells, and M1 macrophages while decreased abundance of M2 macrophages in RA synovial tissue. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the lncRNA HCP5 expression was positively associated with the infiltration abundance of CD8⁺ T cells, γδ T cells, and M1 macrophages in RA synovial tissue. Furthermore,the expression of lncRNA HCP5 in RA synovial cells was up-regulated. Conclusion lncRNA HCP5 expression is up-regulated in RA synovial tissue and potentially associated with immune cells infiltration.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; HLA Antigens/metabolism* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Synovial Membrane/metabolism*

Trollius chinensis has a wide range of pharmacological effects ，including anti-oxidative ，antibacterial，antiviral， anti-inflammatory，anti-tumor，anti-aging，antipyretic and analgesic effects ，relieving cough and removing phlegm ，viscera protection，and so on. Flavonoids and phenolic acids are the main medicinal components of it ，especially three monomers have a wide range of efficacy and have been studied more ，such as orientin ，vitexin and 2″-O-galactopyranosyl orientin. T. chinensis is mostly used in clinical practice in the form of Chinese patent medicines ，such as Jinlianhua granules ，Jinlianhua capsules ， Jinlianhua tablets and Jinlianhua oral liquid. These medicines are used to treatment of upper respiratory tract infection ，pharyngitis， tonsillitis，periodontitis，mumps，oral ulcer ，and hand-foot-mouth disease. They are usually used by combining with Western medicine. Due to its definite curative effect and less adverse drug reactions ，T. chinensis related preparations are more suitable for pediatric population ，and they can be used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in children ，acute suppurative tonsillitis in children ，epidemic mumps in children ，hand-foot-mouth disease in children ，which is also one of its drug characteristics. This paper review the relevant literatures in recent 20 years from the respective of pharmacological effects and clinical applicationin order to provide reference for further promoting rational clinical application of T. chinensis and new drug research and development.

Objective To analyze the similarities and differences between four-point hand-knee position and hand-foot kneeling positions in trunk muscle activation and co-contraction, explore the possibility of hand-foot kneeling position as core stabilization exercises, so as to provide suggestions for actual training.Methods Nineteen healthy volunteers randomly performed exercises of four-point hand-knee position (4 motions) and hand-foot kneeling position (3 motions), while surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spine, and multifidus muscles. The average sEMG and muscle co-contraction index (CCI) based on the sEMG signals were analyzed and compared.Results Significant differences were found in the sEMG and CCI within and between the two positions. Under four-point hand-knee position with the right hand and left leg lifting, the activation of all muscles was higher than that in the starting position. In four-point hand-knee position with the left leg lifting, the activation of ipsilateral multifidus muscle was significantly higher than that in hand-foot kneeling position. The activation degree of external oblique muscle and rectus abdominis was higher in hand-foot kneeling position with right hand lifting. A total of 28 muscle matching methods were obtained by pair-to-pair matching of 8 muscles. The starting posture in four-point hand-knee position fluctuated the least, indicating that the spine was the most stable, while the index of other exercises fluctuated in a larger range.Conclusions The possibility of hand-foot kneeling position as core stabilization exercises was proved from two aspects, namely, muscle activation and CCI. The hand-foot kneeling position and four-point hand-knee position can be used for strengthening abdominal muscles and back muscles, respectively. The four-point hand-knee position with contralateral upper and lower limbs lift is a more advanced exercise for trunk muscles, but sports injuries should be avoided.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN)and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN)in the treatment of giant (>7cm) renal angiomyolipoma (RAML).Methods:The clinical data of 43 patients with giant RAML(>7cm) who underwent surgery in Zhejiang People's Hospital from October 2014 to May 2020 was retrospectively analysed, including 23 routine RAPN and 20 routine LPN. The median age of patients in the RAPN group was 45(17-65) years old, with 4 males and 19 females.The median body mass index(BMI) was 20.3(18.0-25.7) kg/m 2. Tumors located on the left side in 11 cases and on the right side in 12 cases. Tumors located on upper pole in 9 cases, middle pole in 5 cases , lower pole in 5 cases. The median R. E.N.A.L. score was 8(4-12) points and the largest tumor diameter was 7.5(7.1-17.0) cm. The median age of patients in the LPN group was 53(27-78) years old, with 1 males and 19 females. The median BMI was 21.4(19.0-25.5) kg/m 2. Tumors located on the left side in 9 cases and right side in 11 cases. Tumors located on the upper pole in 7 cases, middle pole in 4 cases and lower pole in 5 cases. 4 cases were multiple tumors, 2 cases were bilateral, and 2 cases were unilateral. The median R. E.N.A.L. score was 8(4-12) points and the median maximum diameter of tumor was 7.3(7.0-20.0) cm. There was no statistically significant difference in general information between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, warm ischemia time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery, renal function and other indicators of the two groups were compared, as well as the follow-up results. Results:The operations in both groups were successfully completed, and none of them were transferred to open surgery. Patients in the RAPN group had markedly lower median operation time [115(90-220) vs.145(120-240) min], and reduced median time of warm ischemia [15(10-25) vs. 23(20-28) min] than those in the LPN group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the median time of eating [1(1-2) vs. 1(1-3)d], time of extubation [4(3-16) vs. 5(3-14)d], postoperative absolute time in bed [4(3-7) vs. 4(2-12)d], hospitalization time [7(5-16) vs. 8(4-14)d], creatinine change[11.3(1.6-44.8) vs. 18.2(1.0-54.8)μmol/L], eGFR change [21.5(1.8-43.5) vs. 22.1(5.6-51.3) ml/(min·1.73m 2)], and hemoglobin change[22.5(11-43) vs. 23.0 (9-62) g/L] between the two groups( P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the RAPN group and the LPN group were 0 and 15%(3/20), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). 3 patients had blood transfusion during the operation, because 2 patients had renal wound hemorrhage. During the operation, ultrasonic scalpel electrocoagulation to halt bleeding and hemostatic cotton padding were performed, which improved after suture. One case had active hemorrhage from the renal wound arteries after surgery, which improved after blood transfusion and embolization. Another 2 patients had postoperative fever, improved after anti-infection and antipyretic treatment. There was no leakage of urine after operation in RAPN group and LPN group. The RAPN group was followed up for 6 months to 45 months with a median time of 12 months, and the LPN group was 8 months to 50 months with a median time of 15 months. No tumor recurrence or delayed renal stump bleeding was identified. Conclusions:Compared with LPN, RAPN therapy of giant RAML can shorten the operation time and warm ischemia time, and decrease postoperative complications, the two have similar short-term follow-up results in terms of tumor control and renal function protection.

Objective:To investigate whether the hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) induces liver abscess through activating NLRP3 inflammasome. Methods:K1-hvKP and K35-non-hvKP bacterial suspensions were intraperitoneally injected into C57BL/6 mice to establish the models of liver abscess. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were sorted by immunomagnetic beads with CD45 + and Gr-1 + , and the purity was detected by flow cytometry. The concentrations of capsular polysaccharide of K1-hvKP and K35-non-hvKP were detected by total carbohydrate assay kit. The expression of IL-18 and IL-33 by neutrophils at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in neutrophils was detected by Western blot. Neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) was observed under confocal laser scanning microscope. Results:The C57BL/6 mice with K1-hvKP infection had significantly serious liver abscess as compared with the K35-non-hvKP-infected mice. The purity of human neutrophils was more than 95%. The concentration of capsular polysaccharide in K1-hvKP was significantly higher than that in K35-non-hvKP. Compared with K35-non-hvKP, K1-hvKP significantly promoted the neutrophils to express IL-18 and IL-33 at both mRNA and protein levels, enhanced the activation of NLRP3 and induced NETosis.Conclusions:This study suggested that hvKP could promote NETosis by activating NLRP3 inflammasome to cause liver abscess.

Glucocorticoids/urine* ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Marathon Running ; Saliva/chemistry* ; alpha-Amylases/analysis*