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.

Aim To analyze serum exosome sequencing data from patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and normal subjects by using bioinformatics-related methods to construct a competitive endogenous ln-cRNA-miRNA-mRNA(ceRNA)regulatory network,to mine the predicted potential Chinese medicines,and to perform preliminary validation of the biological processes and core Chinese medicines involved in the ceRNA network.Methods We used exoRbase data-base to obtain the expression matrix of differential genes,combined with the raw letter method to con-struct the ceRNA network,and performed GO analysis and KEGG analysis on the differential mRNAs in the network,and used COREMINE database to predict the biological processes and core target genes involved in the ceRNA network,and to screen the herbal medi-cines with potential therapeutic effects;AVECs oxida-tive damage cell model was constructed in vitro,and the cytoskeleton,tube-forming function,cell prolifera-tion,LDH leakage rate,ROS level and p-AKT,AKT,p-PI3K and AKT protein expression were examined to verify the action pathways and targets of the core Chi-nese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza for the treatment of coronary heart disease.Results Compared with nor-mal subjects,395 mRNAs,80 miRNAs,60 lncRNA differential genes,and 80 miRNAs were predicted in serum exosomes of coronary heart disease,and the constructed ceRNA sub-network,mainly consisted of 21 lncRNAs,80 miRNAs,and 82 mRNAs;AKT1,VEGFA,IL1B and other genes in the network.The abnormally expressed mRNAs were involved in biologi-cal processes such as oxidative stress and signaling pathways such as PI3 K/Akt,and Dan Shen,Chuanx-iong and Panax notoginseng were most closely related to exosome-mediated biological processes and core genes in coronary heart disease.The active ingredients of tanshinone ⅡA,the core Chinese medicine,could pro-mote vascular endothelial cell proliferation,tube for-mation,skeleton formation and repair,reduce LDH leakage rate and ROS level,and promote the expres-sion of p-AKT and p-PI3K protein.Conclusion There is a complex ceRNA regulatory network trans-duction in coronary artery disease serum exosomes,and traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat CHD through multi-target intervention,and Dan Shen,Chuanxiong and Panax notoginseng are expected to be candidate sources of traditional Chinese medicine,a-mong which the active ingredient of Dan Shen,tanshi-none ⅡA,activates PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway to play a protective role against oxidative stress-injured cells,and treats CHD.

Aim To study the effect of Guben Yanling pills on liver aging in aging mice and the related mech-anism.Methods The mice were randomly divided in-to blank control group,model group,vitamin E group(0.1 g·kg-1)and low,medium and high dose groups(0.59,1.17,2.34 g·kg-1)of Guben Yan-ling pills.The aging mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose(150 mg·kg-1)into the back of neck.At the same time of mod-eling,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage once a day for six weeks.The main organ indexes were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the mor-phology of liver tissue.Colorimetry was used to detect the activity of β-galactosidase in liver.ELISA was used to detect the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-4,IL-10.Western blot was used to detect the protein relative expression level of IKKβ,Iκ Bα,NF-κB p65.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression level of NF-κB p65.Results Compared with the blank control group,the organ index of the brain,liv-er,kidney,spleen,and thymus in the model group decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase increased(P＜0.01),liver tissue mor-phology and structure were significantly damaged,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 increased(P＜0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 in-creased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKBα decreased(P＜0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the organ indexes of brain,liver,kidney,spleen,and thymus in each dose group of Guben Yan-ling pills increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the activity of β-galactosidase decreased(P＜0.01),the morpho-logical and structural damage of liver tissue was signifi-cantly improved,the content of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 decreased(P＜0.01),the content of IL-4 and IL-10 increased(P＜0.01),the levels of IKKβ,NF-κB p65 decreased(P＜0.01),the levels of IκBα in-creased(P＜0.01),and the levels of NF-κB p65 in nucleus decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Guben Yanling pills can antagonize liver aging in mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activa-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway in liver,downregulat-ing downstream pro-inflammatory factor levels,upregu-lating anti-inflammatory factor levels,and alleviating inflammation in liver.

Objective:To investigate the expression level,clinical significance and function of circular RNAs(circRNAs)circ_0073585 in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:The expression levels of circ_0073585 in bone marrow samples of 106 newly diagnosed AML patients and 38 controls were detected by real-time quantitative PCR(RQ-PCR).The differences were compared between the two groups and their clinical significance was analyzed.The diagnostic value of circ_0073585 expression for AML was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).THP-1 cells with lentivirus overexpressing circ_0073585 vector and empty vector were divided into two groups:circ_0073585-THP-1 and NC-THP-1 group.CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to study the effects of circ_0073585 on THP-1 cell proliferation,survival,apoptosis and drug sensitivity.Results:Compared with the controls,the expression level of circ_0073585 in the bone marrow of AML patients was significantly reduced(P＜0.001).There was a statistically significant difference between the high and low expression groups of circ_0073585 in the white blood cell count,platelet count(P＜0.01)and chromosome risk(P＜0.05).Compared with NC-THP-1 cells,the proliferation and viability of circ_0073585-THP-l cells were weakened(P＜0.01),the apoptosis rate was increased(P＜0.01),and the sensitivity to homoharringtonine(P＜0.05)and daunorubicin hydrochloride(P＜0.001)was increased.Conclusion:The expression level of circ_0073585 is decreased in AML patients.Overexpression of circ_0073585 can inhibit the proliferation and viability of leukemic cells,promote apoptosis,and increase sensitivity of leukemia cells to chemotherapy drugs.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of multidrug-resistant organism（MDRO）infection among patients in neurosurgery intensive care unit（NSICU）and to construct a risk prediction nomogram.Methods:A total of 434 patients admitted in the NSICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University from August 2021 to October 2022 were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into modeling group（ n=217）and validation group（ n=217）. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of MDRO infection in patients，and R software was used to construct a risk prediction nomogram.The prediction power of the nomogram was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve，the calibration of the model was assessed with Hosmer-Lemeshow（H-L）goodness-of-fit method. Results:Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the underlying disease≥3（ OR=2.580，95% CI 1.322-5.035），the combination of antimicrobial drugs >10 days（ OR=2.336，95% CI 1.182-4.615），hypoproteinemia（ OR=1.962，95% CI 1.031-3.735），invasive operation time（10-20 d： OR=2.358，95% CI 1.048-5.306；>20 d： OR=3.486，95% CI 1.643-7.395）and GCS≤8 points（ OR=2.961，95% CI 1.470-5.963）were independent risk factors of MDRO infection among patients in NSICU. The area under the curve（AUC）of the nomogram in predicting the risk of MDRO infection for patients in modeling group was 0.787（95% CI 0.725-0.849）with a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 72.5%，the H-L test results were χ2=7.482， P=0.486，the calibration curve was close to the ideal curve，and the mean absolute error was 0.022. The AUC of the nomogram in predicting MDRO infection for patients in verification group was 0.800（95% CI 0.739-0.861）with a sensitivity of 74.7% and a specificity of 73.9%，the H-L test results were χ2=9.824， P=0.278，the calibration curve was close to the ideal curve，and the average absolute error was 0.015. Conclusion:The nomogram constructed based on the risk factors can effectively predict the risk of MDRO infection for patients in neurosurgical ICU，which may be used in clinic pratcice.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1(PI-RADS v2.1)for clinically significant prostate cancer(CSPCa)in the peripheral zone(PZ),transitional zone(TZ)and multiple zones(MZs).Methods:We retrospectively studied the clinical data on 108 patients undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(mpMRI)and transperineal prostate biopsy in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023.Using PI-RADS v2.1,we ex-amined the MR images of the patients with suspected PCa,compared the PI-RADS v2.1 scores with the results of prostate biopsy,and analyzed the correlation of the PI-RADS v2.1 scores with CSPCa.We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC),and described the diagnostic performance of PI-RADS v2.1 for CSPCa in the PZ,TZ and MZs.Results:Transperineal prostate puncture biopsy was successfully completed in all the patients,which revealed 66(61.11％)cases of CSPCa with Gleason score(GS)7-10.Suspected CSPCa was observed in 45(95.74％)of the 47 PZ lesions,8(47.06％)of the 17 TZ le-sions,and 40(90.91％)of the 44 MZ lesions.The PZ,TZ and MZ lesions diagnosed by PI-RADS v2.1 were significantly correlated with CSPCa(r=0.492,P＜0.001).The AUCs of PI-RADS v2.1 for PZ,TZ and MZs were 0.644,0.732 and 0.811,with specificities of 66.8％,57.6％and 62.1％,and sensitivities of 57.2％,78.4％and 93.2％,respectively.The negative predictive values were 46.5％,85.7％and 79.2％,and the positive predictive values 76.2％,43.4％and 84.8％,respectively.Conclusion:The PI-RADS v2.1 score has a high diagnostic value for CSPCa in the PZ,TZ and MZs,with the best performance for that in the MZs.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from n-butanol fraction of Corydalis impatiens(Pall.)Fisch.and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The n-butanol fraction was isolated and purified by silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH method and tyrosinase method.RESULTS Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified as nicotinamide(1),methyl L-pyroglutamate(2),bungeanoline F(3),monomethyl fumarate(4),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(5),4-hydroxybenzoic acid(6),hydroxybenzoate(7),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(8),methyl ferulate(9),dimethylcaffeic acid(10),dimethyl feruloyl malate(11),(-)-4-O-feruloylquinic acid(12),syringaresinol(13)and(-)-loliolide(14).Compounds 1,8,11 and 13 showed strong antioxidant activites on DPPH free radicals,with IC50 values ranging from 54.47 to 97.4 μmol/L.Compound 13 had potential inhibitory effect on tyrosinase.CONCLUSION Compounds 4-14 are first isolated from Corydalis genus,and 3 is isolated from this plant for the first time.Compounds 1,8,11 and 13 have strong antioxidant activities.

Objective To establish an animal model of dampness-syndrome in mice (single model) and evaluate its characteristics of dampness-syndrome. The above-mentioned mice with dampness syndrome were used to construct mice model of ischemic stroke (double model) and observe the effect of dampness-pathogenic on the outcome of stroke. Methods Healthy C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into dampness-syndrome (including sham-surgery group and ischemic stroke group,with 10 mice in each group) and non dampness-syndrome groups (including sham-surgery group and ischemic stroke group,with 10 mice in each group). The dampness-syndrome group was fed with high-fat diet and the non dampness-syndrome group was fed with normal diet for 12 weeks. After the mice model of dampness-syndrome was successfully established,transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R) surgery was used to replicate an ischemic stroke mice model. Evaluation indicators for dampness-syndrome mice model:the general status including body weight,morphology,posture,activity status,and physical characteristics,the histopathological observation of the aorta (oil red O staining,Masson-trichrome staining) and liver (HE staining,oil red O staining),electron microscopic observation of the tongue tissue (scanning electron microscopy,electron microscopy),blood lipid levels[total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG)]and liver coefficient. Evaluation indicators for ischemic stroke mice model:neurological function score and the cerebral infarction volume ratio. Results Compared with the non dampness-syndrome group,the mice in the dampness-syndrome group showed an increased in body weight,poor hair color,sparse hair,fatigue and laziness,mental atrophy,anorexia and lethargy. It was observed that the aortic lumen was narrowed,the intima was significantly thickened,lipid plaque deposition was increased,and foam cells were visible. A large amount of red lipid droplets appeared in liver cells. There were obvious lipid infiltration and diffuse steatosis. Increased keratosis of the mucosal layer of tongue tissue,the thicker stratum corneum,lipofuscin,and bacteria on the tongue surface were found. Serum TG and TC levels significantly increased(P<0.01),and the liver coefficient significantly decreased (P<0.001). Compared with non dampness-syndrome group (sham-surgery group),neurological function score and the cerebral infarction volume ratio in dampness-syndrome ischemic stroke group obviously increased (P<0.001). Conclusion High-fat feeding for 12 weeks combined with tMCAO/R modeling can successfully establish a mice model with dampness-syndrome ischemic stroke,and the neurological function score and cerebral infarction volume in the dampness-syndrome ischemic stroke group was more severe than that in the non dampness-syndrome ischemic stroke group.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of allo-HSCT with total body irradiation (TBI) and chemotherapy alone in the treatment of adult ALL and to explore the factors affecting prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of 95 adult patients with ALL who underwent allo-HSCT from January 2015 to August 2022 were included. According to the conditioning regimen, the patients were divided into two groups: the TBI plus cyclophosphamide (TBI/Cy) group ( n=53) and the busulfan plus cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) group ( n=42). Hematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation, GVHD, transplantation-related complications, relapse rate (RR), non-relapse mortality (NRM), OS, and LFS were compared, and the factors related to prognosis were analyzed. Results:The median time of neutrophil engraftment was 14 (10-25) days in the TBI/Cy group and 14 (10-24) days in the Bu/Cy group ( P=0.106). The median time of megakaryocyte engraftment was 17 (10-42) days in the TBI/Cy group and 19 (11-42) days in the Bu/Cy group ( P=0.488). The incidence of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute GVHD (aGVHD) in the TBI/Cy and Bu/Cy groups was 41.5% and 35.7%, respectively ( P=0.565). The incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD in these two groups was 24.5% and 4.8%, respectively ( P=0.009). The incidence of severe chronic GVHD in the two groups was 16.7% and 13.5%, respectively ( P=0.689). The incidence of cytomegalovirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, severe infection, and hemorrhagic cystitis in the two groups was 41.5% and 35.7% ( P=0.565), 34.0% and 35.7% ( P=0.859), 43.4% and 33.3% ( P=0.318), and 20.8% and 50.0% ( P=0.003), respectively. The median follow-up time was 37.1 months and 53.3 months in the TBI/Cy and Bu/Cy groups, respectively. The 2-year cumulative RR was 17.0% in the TBI/Cy group and 42.9% in the Bu/Cy group ( P=0.017). The 2-year cumulative NRM was 24.5% and 7.1%, respectively ( P=0.120). The 2-year LFS was 58.5% and 50.0%, respectively ( P=0.466). The 2-year OS rate was 69.8% and 64.3%, respectively ( P=0.697). In the multivariate analysis, the conditioning regimen containing TBI was a protective factor for relapse after transplantation ( HR=0.304, 95% CI 0.135-0.688, P=0.004), whereas the effect on NRM was not significant ( HR=1.393, 95% CI 0.355-5.462, P=0.634). Infection was an independent risk factor for OS after allo-HSCT in adult patients with ALL. Conclusion:allo-HSCT based on TBI conditioning regimen had lower relapse rate and lower incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis for adult ALL, compared with chemotherapy regimen. While the incidence o grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ aGVHD was hgher in TBI conditioning regimen than that in chemotherapy regimen.