Objective:To explore the effects of peripheral nerve injury(PNI)on neuropathic pain(NP)and memo-ry function in mice,as well as the activation of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus(PVT)of the thalamus,so as to provide a basis for studying the relationship between NP and memory impairment.Methods:Twenty one 8-week-old male C57 BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group and experimental group,and the routine spared nerve inju-ry(SNI)was constructed in the mice of experimental group.The pain behavior and memory impairment of mice after SNI were evaluated with hot plate and eight-arm maze behavioral tests.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to an-alyze the correlation between pain behavior and memory impairment.The c-FOS expression in PVT was detected with immuno-staining.Results:Compared with the sham group,the heat pain threshold of mice in the experimental group was significantly reduced(P＜0.001).The results of the eight-arm maze test showed that the total rest time was signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.001),and the working memory error was increased from 1 to 4 days after SNI(P＜0.01).Correlation analysis indicated that early working memory errors were negatively correlated with heat pain threshold after SNI(P＜0.001).The immunofluorescence revealed that the number of c-FOS positive cells in PVT increased signifi-cantly(P＜0.001).Conclusion:SNI can cause abnormal pain behavior and memory impairment in mice,and cause neuronal activation in PVT.This study provides a basis for neurons in PVT to participate in the regulation of memory impairment in the context of NP.

BACKGROUND:The technique of ultrasound processing is widely used for molecular biological analysis.It is of great significance to study the DNA quality of tissue with different storage years under new ultrasonic treatment for further specimen quality control of molecular detection.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of different storage durations on DNA quality in specimens with ultrasound processing to investigate the optimal storage time for molecular tests.METHODS:Forty specimens of breast biopsy were collected and paraffin specimens were prepared by ultrasonography.These specimens were divided into four groups based on their storage periods:<1 year,1-3 years,>3-5 years,and>5 years,which contained 10 cases in each group.Paraffin specimens were sliced;each slice was 3 μm thick;10-15 slices were taken,and DNA was extracted.The mass concentration of DNA was examined by Nanophotometer N60 ultra-micro spectrophotometer and Qubit 4.0 fluorometer.The purity of the DNA was analyzed by the ratio of A260/A280.DNA fragment integrity was measured by capillary electrophoresis (Qsep 100) to evaluate the quality of the DNA fragments.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean values of A260/A280 in the four groups were between 1.8 and 2.0,meeting the requirements of tests,without significant differences.The mean values of DNA mass concentration (Qubit concentration) were 30.39,14.33,2.52,and 1.95 ng/μL,respectively.The mean values of the N/Q were 6.48,14.18,24.56,and 29.86.The mean values of DNA were:5.64,1.76,1.24,and 0.80.The percentage of large DNA fragments averaged 56.08％,17.72％,12.68％,and 7.90％.Moreover,the Ct values of the internal control detected by PCR were 15.32,17.09,18.39,and 21.24.The three other groups exhibited significantly lower DNA concentration,higher N/Q ratios,decreased DNA quality and percentage of large fragments,and increased values of Ct,compared with the group of within 1 year of storage (P<0.05).The experimental results suggested that for novel ultrasound processed biopsy specimens,we should prioritize samples stored within 1 year for molecular testing.Samples stored within 3 years can also meet the requirements of second-generation sequencing and other tests.Samples stored within 5 years can only be attempted to carry out PCR.Samples stored for more than 5 years were not recommended to carry out molecular tests.

Objective To explore the targets and mechanisms of Tongguanteng Injection in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer.Methods The biological activity of Tongguanteng Injection in inhibiting human cervical cancer SiHa cells was determined by MTT method.Detecting the effect of Tongguanteng Injection on SiHa cell migration through wound healing assay.Using network pharmacology to collect the key targets for treating cervical cancer,and perform molecular docking and enrichment analysis on the targets.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the key proteins to validate the network pharmacology predictions.Result Tongguanteng Injection significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner in human cervical cancer SiHa cells.Based on the main active ingredients of Marsdenia tenacissima,81 therapeutic targets for cervical cancer were obtained,which may treat cervical cancer by affecting key proteins such as FGF2,MAPK1,and MAPK3.Immunohistochemical results indicated that FGF2,MAPK1 and MAPK3 were expressed in cervical cancer tissues.The western bolt assays showed that Tongguanteng Injection could significantly reduce the FGF2 protein expression.Meanwhile,the MAPK1 and MAPK3 protein expressions were significantly increased.Conclusion Tongguanteng Injection may regulate the FGF2,MAPK1 and MAPK3,effectively impede the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND:The technique of ultrasound processing is widely used for molecular biological analysis.It is of great significance to study the DNA quality of tissue with different storage years under new ultrasonic treatment for further specimen quality control of molecular detection.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of different storage durations on DNA quality in specimens with ultrasound processing to investigate the optimal storage time for molecular tests.METHODS:Forty specimens of breast biopsy were collected and paraffin specimens were prepared by ultrasonography.These specimens were divided into four groups based on their storage periods:<1 year,1-3 years,>3-5 years,and>5 years,which contained 10 cases in each group.Paraffin specimens were sliced;each slice was 3 μm thick;10-15 slices were taken,and DNA was extracted.The mass concentration of DNA was examined by Nanophotometer N60 ultra-micro spectrophotometer and Qubit 4.0 fluorometer.The purity of the DNA was analyzed by the ratio of A260/A280.DNA fragment integrity was measured by capillary electrophoresis (Qsep 100) to evaluate the quality of the DNA fragments.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean values of A260/A280 in the four groups were between 1.8 and 2.0,meeting the requirements of tests,without significant differences.The mean values of DNA mass concentration (Qubit concentration) were 30.39,14.33,2.52,and 1.95 ng/μL,respectively.The mean values of the N/Q were 6.48,14.18,24.56,and 29.86.The mean values of DNA were:5.64,1.76,1.24,and 0.80.The percentage of large DNA fragments averaged 56.08％,17.72％,12.68％,and 7.90％.Moreover,the Ct values of the internal control detected by PCR were 15.32,17.09,18.39,and 21.24.The three other groups exhibited significantly lower DNA concentration,higher N/Q ratios,decreased DNA quality and percentage of large fragments,and increased values of Ct,compared with the group of within 1 year of storage (P<0.05).The experimental results suggested that for novel ultrasound processed biopsy specimens,we should prioritize samples stored within 1 year for molecular testing.Samples stored within 3 years can also meet the requirements of second-generation sequencing and other tests.Samples stored within 5 years can only be attempted to carry out PCR.Samples stored for more than 5 years were not recommended to carry out molecular tests.

Objective To explore the targets and mechanisms of Tongguanteng Injection in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer.Methods The biological activity of Tongguanteng Injection in inhibiting human cervical cancer SiHa cells was determined by MTT method.Detecting the effect of Tongguanteng Injection on SiHa cell migration through wound healing assay.Using network pharmacology to collect the key targets for treating cervical cancer,and perform molecular docking and enrichment analysis on the targets.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the key proteins to validate the network pharmacology predictions.Result Tongguanteng Injection significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner in human cervical cancer SiHa cells.Based on the main active ingredients of Marsdenia tenacissima,81 therapeutic targets for cervical cancer were obtained,which may treat cervical cancer by affecting key proteins such as FGF2,MAPK1,and MAPK3.Immunohistochemical results indicated that FGF2,MAPK1 and MAPK3 were expressed in cervical cancer tissues.The western bolt assays showed that Tongguanteng Injection could significantly reduce the FGF2 protein expression.Meanwhile,the MAPK1 and MAPK3 protein expressions were significantly increased.Conclusion Tongguanteng Injection may regulate the FGF2,MAPK1 and MAPK3,effectively impede the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer.

Objective:To explore the effects of peripheral nerve injury(PNI)on neuropathic pain(NP)and memo-ry function in mice,as well as the activation of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus(PVT)of the thalamus,so as to provide a basis for studying the relationship between NP and memory impairment.Methods:Twenty one 8-week-old male C57 BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group and experimental group,and the routine spared nerve inju-ry(SNI)was constructed in the mice of experimental group.The pain behavior and memory impairment of mice after SNI were evaluated with hot plate and eight-arm maze behavioral tests.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to an-alyze the correlation between pain behavior and memory impairment.The c-FOS expression in PVT was detected with immuno-staining.Results:Compared with the sham group,the heat pain threshold of mice in the experimental group was significantly reduced(P＜0.001).The results of the eight-arm maze test showed that the total rest time was signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.001),and the working memory error was increased from 1 to 4 days after SNI(P＜0.01).Correlation analysis indicated that early working memory errors were negatively correlated with heat pain threshold after SNI(P＜0.001).The immunofluorescence revealed that the number of c-FOS positive cells in PVT increased signifi-cantly(P＜0.001).Conclusion:SNI can cause abnormal pain behavior and memory impairment in mice,and cause neuronal activation in PVT.This study provides a basis for neurons in PVT to participate in the regulation of memory impairment in the context of NP.

Objective:To study the changes in visual function and its mechanism in mice with acute hepatic enceph-alopathy(AHE)model.Method:Twelve male mice were divided into experimental and control groups,with six mice in each.A mouse model of AHE was created using TAA,and serum ALT,AST,and ammonia levels were measured using ELISA and colorimetric assays.Behavioral tests,including open-field and elevated cross maze experiments,were conducted,and neurological function scores were evaluated.HE staining was used to evaluate visual function scores in mice.Behavioural tests were conducted to assess neurological function scores.HE staining was used for pathological examination of the liver and retina.Visual electrophysiology was used to test visual function in both eyes.Retrograde tracer adeno-associated virus was used to label the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus(VL)of thalamus in c-Fos-CreERT2 mice.Results:Compared to the control group,the AHE mice had abnormal liver function and neurological changes.The HE results showed liver tissue damage.The retinal tissues were not significantly different from the control group.The visual electrophysiological results showed changes in visual function in both eyes of the AHE mice.The retrograde tracer virus injections revealed no significant difference in VL activation between the AHE model and the control group.In the AHE model,VL nucleus accumbens neurons primarily received input from ipsilateral visual cortical neurons.Conclusion:The visual deficits in AHE mice caused by TAA were primarily functional rather than organic changes,and were associated with the activation of the visual cortex-to-VL pathway.

Objective:To study the changes in visual function and its mechanism in mice with acute hepatic enceph-alopathy(AHE)model.Method:Twelve male mice were divided into experimental and control groups,with six mice in each.A mouse model of AHE was created using TAA,and serum ALT,AST,and ammonia levels were measured using ELISA and colorimetric assays.Behavioral tests,including open-field and elevated cross maze experiments,were conducted,and neurological function scores were evaluated.HE staining was used to evaluate visual function scores in mice.Behavioural tests were conducted to assess neurological function scores.HE staining was used for pathological examination of the liver and retina.Visual electrophysiology was used to test visual function in both eyes.Retrograde tracer adeno-associated virus was used to label the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus(VL)of thalamus in c-Fos-CreERT2 mice.Results:Compared to the control group,the AHE mice had abnormal liver function and neurological changes.The HE results showed liver tissue damage.The retinal tissues were not significantly different from the control group.The visual electrophysiological results showed changes in visual function in both eyes of the AHE mice.The retrograde tracer virus injections revealed no significant difference in VL activation between the AHE model and the control group.In the AHE model,VL nucleus accumbens neurons primarily received input from ipsilateral visual cortical neurons.Conclusion:The visual deficits in AHE mice caused by TAA were primarily functional rather than organic changes,and were associated with the activation of the visual cortex-to-VL pathway.

End-stage liver diseases,such as cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B,are often combined with hepatic encephalopathy(HE);ammonia poisoning is posited as one of its main pathogenesis mechanisms.Ammonia is closely related to autophagy,but the molecular mechanism of ammonia's regulatory effect on autophagy in HE remains unclear.Sialylation is an essential form of glycosylation.In the nervous system,abnormal sialylation affects various physiological processes,such as neural development and synapse formation.ST3 β-galactoside α2,3-sialyltransferase 6(ST3GAL6)is one of the significant glycosyltransferases responsible for adding α2,3-linked sialic acid to substrates and generating glycan structures.We found that the expression of ST3GAL6 was upregulated in the brains of mice with HE and in astrocytes after ammonia induction,and the expression levels of α2,3-sialylated glycans and autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)and Beclin-1 were upregulated in ammonia-induced astrocytes.These findings suggest that ST3GAL6 is related to autophagy in HE.Therefore,we aimed to determine the regulatory relationship between ST3GAL6 and autophagy.We found that silencing ST3GAL6 and blocking or degrading α2,3-sialylated glycans by way of Maackia amurensis lectin-Ⅱ(MAL-Ⅱ)and neuraminidase can inhibit autophagy.In addition,silencing the expression of ST3GAL6 can downregulate the expression of heat shock protein β8(HSPB8)and Bcl2-associated athanogene 3(BAG3).Notably,the overexpression of HSPB8 partially restored the reduced autophagy levels caused by silencing ST3GAL6 expression.Our results indicate that ST3GAL6 regulates autophagy through the HSPB8-BAG3 complex.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of iron deposition in the substantia nigral (SN) subregions on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and the change of swallow tail sign (STS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) of different disease stages.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 53 patients with RRMS (case group) diagnosed at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The case group was divided into 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup, and >10 years subgroup according to the disease duration; another 37 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group during the same period. All subjects underwent MRI and QSM reconstruction. First, the SN was divided into four subregions: rostral anterior-SN (aSNr), rostral posterior-SN (pSNr), caudal anterior-SN (aSNc), and caudal posterior-SN (pSNc) on the QSM, and the quantitative susceptibility value (QSV) of each subregion was measured, and then the STS of the SN was observed and scored on the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) generated by post-processing. ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the QSV of each subregion of SN among the groups, and the probability of abnormal STS was compared using the χ 2 test. Spearman′s test was used to analyze the correlation between the QSV of each subregion of SN and the STS score. Results:The differences in QSV of aSNr, pSNr, aSNc, and pSNc were statistically significant among the 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup,>10 years subgroup of RRMS patients and the control group ( P<0.05). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in 0-5 years subgroup was higher than those in the control group ( P was 0.039, 0.008, 0.039, respectively). The QSV of aSNr, aSNc, and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup were higher than those in the 0-5 years subgroup ( P was <0.001, 0.020, 0.015, respectively). The QSV of the aSNc, pSNc in >10 years subgroup were lower than those in the 6-10 years subgroup ( P=0.037, 0.006). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr in >10 years subgroup were higher than those in the control group ( P was <0.001, 0.001). There were 7 cases of abnormal STS in the 0-5 years subgroup, 11 cases in the 6-10 years subgroup, 12 cases in >10 years subgroup, and 9 cases in the control subgroup, and there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of abnormal STS among the subgroups of the RRMS patients and the control subgroup (χ 2=16.20, P=0.011). Both the scores of STS in the 6-10 years subgroup and >10 years group were positively correlated with the QSV in pSNc ( r s=0.65, P=0.006; r s=0.48, P=0.045). Conclusions:In RRMS patients, SN iron deposition is concentrated on aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in the 0-5 years subgroup and on aSNr, aSNc and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup. The QSVs of all SN subregions have a downward trend in >10 years subgroup compared with that in the 6-10 years subgroup. Both the QSVs of the pSNc in the 6-10 years group and >10 years group are positively related to STS scores. These help explore the potential progression pattern of SN iron deposition in RRMS patients and the cause of abnormal STS in RRMS patients.