Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.

Objective To investigate the functional changes of dendritic cells(DCs)in patients at different stages of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection and analyze the mechanisms underlying DC dysfunction.Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing dataset GSE182159 was downloaded from the GEO database and classified into healthy control(HC),immune active(IA),and immune tolerant(IT)groups based on infection stage.Peripheral blood samples were collected from 7 IA patients,7 IT patients,and 12 healthy controls.Flow cytometry was used to isolate classical dendritic cells(cDC)and plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDC).The expression levels of transcription factors in cDC and pDC were measured by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).Bioinformatics analyses were per-formed using R and Python package.Results The proportions of DCs in IA and IT groups were higher than that in HC group.Func-tional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of cDCs in the IA group were primarily enriched for the processes,such as inflammatory response,MHC classⅡantigen processing and presentation,cell migration,signal transduction,metabolism,and immune response.In contrast the IT group exhibited lower enrichment intensity and a significant reduction in interfer-on responses.The DEGs of pDC in the IA group were enriched in the processes of MHC-Ⅱantigen presentation,Fc receptor signal transduction,and metabolism,whereas those in the IT group were showed enrichment only in Fc receptor signal transduction and me-tabolism with a lower intensity.Both groups exhibited reduced synthesis of typesⅠandⅡinterferons in pDC,with the IT group showing a more pronounced downregulation.Cell-cell communication analysis demonstrated enhanced interactions between myeloid cells(except pDC)and T cells in the IA group,whereas the interactions between cDC/pDC and T cells in the IT group were reduced.Transcription factor analysis revealed that STAT2,STAT3,IRF1,and IRF5 were highly expressed in the IA group but their expression exhibited low-er expression levels in the IT group.In contrast,BHLHE40 was broadly upregulated in both cDC and pDC subsets within the IT group.The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the findings from the single-cell transcription factor analysis.Conclusion The IT phase of hepatitis B infection represents a critical period for cDC dysfunction,characterized by significant suppression of MHCⅡantigen presen-tation,metabolism,and interferon responsiveness.The functional impairment of pDC precedes that of cDC,as evidenced by a marked downregulation of interferon synthesis capacity observed during the IA phase.

Immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by bleeding and fatigue.ITP-related fatigue can substantially affect health-related quality of life and has been recognized as a treatment indication in the latest guidelines.However,its pathogenesis remains unclear,and targeted therapies are lacking.This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the"excessive fire consuming healthy qi"theory,linking two key conceptual pairs:"excessive fire"with inflammation and"healthy qi consumption"with mitochondrial dysfunction.Chronic inflammation leads to continuous"qi consumption"and damage to mitochondrial structure and function,ultimately resulting in symptoms of qi deficiency such as tiredness and fatigue.The imbalance between qi and fire,leading to imbalance of yin and yang,is the primary pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue,with the disease mainly affecting the spleen.Considering the etiology and pathogenesis of ITP,and relative equilibrium of yin-yang,the therapeutic approach of invigorating spleen and benefiting qi to promote the production of blood serves as a core treatment strategy.Previous research has demonstrated the clinical efficacy of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue Formula,consisting of milkvetch root,tangshen,Indian bread,largehead atractylodes rhizome,India madder root,and ass hide glue in treating patients with ITP-related fatigue.Designed to invigorate the spleen and regulate qi and blood,this formula aligns with the pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue characterized by deficiency of spleen qi and stomach qi.The formula also modulates the expression levels of key proteins and genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and alleviates the immune dysfunction.These findings highlight the potential for further research into the mechanism of ITP-related fatigue,particularly by using inflammation-mediated mitochondrial energy metabolism as a promising entry point.

Immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by bleeding and fatigue.ITP-related fatigue can substantially affect health-related quality of life and has been recognized as a treatment indication in the latest guidelines.However,its pathogenesis remains unclear,and targeted therapies are lacking.This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the"excessive fire consuming healthy qi"theory,linking two key conceptual pairs:"excessive fire"with inflammation and"healthy qi consumption"with mitochondrial dysfunction.Chronic inflammation leads to continuous"qi consumption"and damage to mitochondrial structure and function,ultimately resulting in symptoms of qi deficiency such as tiredness and fatigue.The imbalance between qi and fire,leading to imbalance of yin and yang,is the primary pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue,with the disease mainly affecting the spleen.Considering the etiology and pathogenesis of ITP,and relative equilibrium of yin-yang,the therapeutic approach of invigorating spleen and benefiting qi to promote the production of blood serves as a core treatment strategy.Previous research has demonstrated the clinical efficacy of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue Formula,consisting of milkvetch root,tangshen,Indian bread,largehead atractylodes rhizome,India madder root,and ass hide glue in treating patients with ITP-related fatigue.Designed to invigorate the spleen and regulate qi and blood,this formula aligns with the pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue characterized by deficiency of spleen qi and stomach qi.The formula also modulates the expression levels of key proteins and genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and alleviates the immune dysfunction.These findings highlight the potential for further research into the mechanism of ITP-related fatigue,particularly by using inflammation-mediated mitochondrial energy metabolism as a promising entry point.

Objective To investigate the dynamic functional connectivity differences between insomnia patients and healthy controls in triple brain networks[the significant network(SN),the default mode network(DMN),and the executive control network(ECN)]using functional magnetic resonance imaging,and uncover their associations with cognitive ability.Methods Dynamic functional connectivity analysis was performed on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 40 insomnia patients and 40 healthy controls.The changes in dynamic functional connectivity values were studied for SN,DMN,ECN[including the left executive control network(LECN)and the right executive control network(RECN)];the similarities and differences in time characteristic indicators such as time score,average dwell time,and conversion rate were explored;and their associations with clinical information were analyzed.Results The SN-LECN and DMN-RECN dynamic functional connectivity was significantly higher in insomnia patients than in healthy controls(P=0.013,0.047),while the RECN-LECN and RECN internal functional connectivity strength was lower in insomnia patients than in healthy controls(P<0.001).Additionally,the fractional time in state 2 in insomnia group was significantly higher than that in healthy controls(P<0.001),and it was positively correlated with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(r=0.524,P=0.001).Conclusion Insomnia patients exhibit significant abnormalities in triple brain network dynamic functional connectivity,which may be related to abnormalities in cognitive control and sensory processing in insomnia patients.These findings provide a new perspective for further research on the neural mechanisms and potential intervention strategies for insomnia.

Objective To investigate the dynamic functional connectivity differences between insomnia patients and healthy controls in triple brain networks[the significant network(SN),the default mode network(DMN),and the executive control network(ECN)]using functional magnetic resonance imaging,and uncover their associations with cognitive ability.Methods Dynamic functional connectivity analysis was performed on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 40 insomnia patients and 40 healthy controls.The changes in dynamic functional connectivity values were studied for SN,DMN,ECN[including the left executive control network(LECN)and the right executive control network(RECN)];the similarities and differences in time characteristic indicators such as time score,average dwell time,and conversion rate were explored;and their associations with clinical information were analyzed.Results The SN-LECN and DMN-RECN dynamic functional connectivity was significantly higher in insomnia patients than in healthy controls(P=0.013,0.047),while the RECN-LECN and RECN internal functional connectivity strength was lower in insomnia patients than in healthy controls(P<0.001).Additionally,the fractional time in state 2 in insomnia group was significantly higher than that in healthy controls(P<0.001),and it was positively correlated with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(r=0.524,P=0.001).Conclusion Insomnia patients exhibit significant abnormalities in triple brain network dynamic functional connectivity,which may be related to abnormalities in cognitive control and sensory processing in insomnia patients.These findings provide a new perspective for further research on the neural mechanisms and potential intervention strategies for insomnia.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. The traditional early screening modality of ultrasound,when combined with the biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP),is deficient in sensitivity and specificity. In recent years,HCC risk assessment models based on statistical methods have been widely developed and validated due to advantages such as good efficacy,non-invasiveness,and ease of generalization. Currently,HCC risk assessment models adapted to the characteristics of patients with chronic liver disease,patients with hepatitis B and C,patients with cirrhosis,and the general population have been developed. The purpose of this review is to assist clinical diagnosis treatment,and scientific research by analyzing the current research status and development of liver cancer risk assessment models.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of allogeneic renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+renal epithelial cells for the treatment of acute kidney injury(AKI)induced by ischemia-reperfusion(I/R).Methods CD24+renal epithelial cells were isolated from mouse kidneys using flow cytometric sorting and expanded by passaging.C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into three groups:the normal control group(n=8,sham surgery only),the model control group(n=8,unilateral kidney I/R plus contralateral nephrectomy),and the CD24+cell treatment group(n=8,AKI model followed by renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+cells).Mice were euthanized at 24 h after modeling and serum was collected to measure biochemical markers[serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)].Renal tissues were subjected to pathological evaluation and macrophage staining.An M1-polarized macrophage model was established using mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages co-cultured with CD24+renal epithelial cells.The polarization state of macrophages was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and flow cytometry.Results CD24+renal epithelial cells were successfully isolated and passaged stably.Compared with the normal control group,the model control group exhibited significantly elevated Scr and BUN levels and renal pathological damage.In contrast,the CD24+cell treatment group showed significant reduction in serum biochemical markers and pathological injury compared with the model control group,along with reduction in M1 macrophage infiltration in the kidneys(P<0.05,P<0.01).In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that in the CD24+co-culture group,the expression of M1 polarization-related markers in macrophages was significantly lower than that in the non-co-culture group,and the proportion of CD80+M1 macrophages in the co-culture group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Allogeneic renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+renal epithelial cells can alleviate I/R-induced AKI by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through paracrine mechanisms.

[Objective]To investigate the potential value of thyroid hormones in cerebrospinal fluid in predicting autism-like behaviors induced by hypothyroidism in pregnant rats.[Methods]Twelve pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and a hypothyroidism group(hypothyroidism model group).Offspring from both groups had serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),total triiodothyronine(TT3),total thyroxine(TT4),free triiodothyronine(FT3),and free thyroxine(FT4)levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.Ultrasonic vocalization tests were conducted on postnatal day 2(P2),day 7(P7),and day 14(P14),while behavioral tests using the three-box social interaction test were performed on day 21(P21).[Results]Compared with the control group,free T4(FT4)levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of the hypothyroidism group were significantly reduced during the developmental period(P0-P21;P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.05;P14:P<0.01;P21:P<0.01),with no statistical difference between the two groups only at P0(P>0.05).In the ultrasonic vocalization(USV)tests,the number and duration of USVs in offsprings from the hypothyroidism group were significantly reduced compared with those of the control group on P2,P7 and P14:for USV counts(P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.001;P14:P<0.01);for USV duration(P2:P<0.05;P7:P<0.001;P14:P<0.001).In the three-box social tests,offsprings of the hypothyroidism group showed significantly reduced sniffing time with unfamiliar rats at P21 compared to the control group(all P<0.001).The FT4 levels in cerebrospinal fluid had a significantly positive correlation with USV counts(P7:r=0.883,P<0.05;P14:r=0.902,P<0.05)and sniffing time with unfamiliar rats(r=0.814,P<0.01).[Conclusion]Measuring free T4 in cerebrospinal fluid can predict autism-like behaviors in offsprings of rats induced by hypothyroidism during pregnancy.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of allogeneic renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+renal epithelial cells for the treatment of acute kidney injury(AKI)induced by ischemia-reperfusion(I/R).Methods CD24+renal epithelial cells were isolated from mouse kidneys using flow cytometric sorting and expanded by passaging.C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into three groups:the normal control group(n=8,sham surgery only),the model control group(n=8,unilateral kidney I/R plus contralateral nephrectomy),and the CD24+cell treatment group(n=8,AKI model followed by renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+cells).Mice were euthanized at 24 h after modeling and serum was collected to measure biochemical markers[serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)].Renal tissues were subjected to pathological evaluation and macrophage staining.An M1-polarized macrophage model was established using mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages co-cultured with CD24+renal epithelial cells.The polarization state of macrophages was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and flow cytometry.Results CD24+renal epithelial cells were successfully isolated and passaged stably.Compared with the normal control group,the model control group exhibited significantly elevated Scr and BUN levels and renal pathological damage.In contrast,the CD24+cell treatment group showed significant reduction in serum biochemical markers and pathological injury compared with the model control group,along with reduction in M1 macrophage infiltration in the kidneys(P<0.05,P<0.01).In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that in the CD24+co-culture group,the expression of M1 polarization-related markers in macrophages was significantly lower than that in the non-co-culture group,and the proportion of CD80+M1 macrophages in the co-culture group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Allogeneic renal subcapsular transplantation of CD24+renal epithelial cells can alleviate I/R-induced AKI by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through paracrine mechanisms.